United States House of Representatives: History, Art, & Archives
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House Service & Seniority

House Service & Seniority

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July 28, 2016

Father Knows Best

The House of Representatives is the only body directly elected by the American people since its inception in 1789. Constitutionally, Members of the House stand for re-election every two years. This section provides data about a Member's service in the House.

Total Members of the House & State Representation

Total Members of the House & State Representation

View a chart providing historical totals of House Membership, including dates that territories entered the Union.

Terms of Service for Members of the House of Representatives

Terms of Service for Members of the House of Representatives

These PDFs include Members of the House of Representatives in the current and in past Congresses. Historical Congresses include lists of Members sworn in at the opening and Members serving at close of the Congress.

Members With 40 Years or More House Service

Members With 40 Years or More House Service

A list of Members who Have served 40 years or more in the House of Representatives since Congress first convened in 1789.

Fathers/Deans of the House

Fathers/Deans of the House

In the modern U.S. House of Representatives the Member with the longest continuous service is known as the “Dean of the House.” The practice of recognizing this individual—initially, and for many years, called the “Father of the House”—dates to the early nineteenth century and has changed over time.

Office of the Historian: history@mail.house.gov
Office of Art & Archives, Office of the Clerk: art@mail.house.gov, archives@mail.house.gov