111th Congress, 2nd Session
The work of the 29th Congress
December 01, 1845
On this date, the 29th Congress (1845–1847) convened for a momentous two years dominated by war in the southwest. The session opened as tension escalated with Mexico after U.S. annexation of the disputed Texas Territory. Provoked by U.S. forces along the Rio Grande border, Mexican forces attacked in April 1846. Within weeks, the House overwhelmingly voted to declare war on Mexico by a vote of 173 to 14. Late in the Congress, the House passed an appropriations measure requested by President (and former Speaker of the House) James K. Polk to broker peace with Mexico. But it included a controversial provision forbidding slavery in any territory acquired in the peace settlement (the so-called “Wilmot Proviso” introduced by David Wilmot of Pennsylvania). Senate opponents, however, stripped the Wilmot Proviso from the final Appropriation to Secure Peace Bill in early 1847. Meanwhile, the country continued to expand with the additions of Iowa and Texas to the Union. With 230 House Members and more states entering the Union, congressional leaders began planning for larger accommodations, including new House and Senate chambers. Under the direction of one-term Speaker John W. Davis of Indiana, the House also passed the Postage Stamp Act—authorizing the use of postage stamps in the U.S. for the first time.
Related Highlight Subjects
Cite this Highlight
Office of History and Preservation, Office of the Clerk, http://clerk.house.gov/art_history/highlights.html?action=view&intID=280, (December 07, 2010).For Additional Information
Office of History and Preservation(202) 226-1300
history@mail.house.gov
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Rebecca Polk, a distant relative of James K. Polk, painted this likeness of the former House Speaker for the collection of portraits honoring Speakers of the House.
Oil on canvas, Rebecca Polk after G.P.A. Healy, 1911, Collection of U.S. House of Representatives
Teaching Tip
House Legislation
Have students search the highlight dates and locate reference to any legislative document (bill, resolution, speech, etc.). Ask students to track down the document at a local depository library. Students should research the historical background of the document and make a brief presentation which includes reading all or portions of the document aloud. To locate a nearby federal depository library go to http://catalog.gpo.gov.
