United States House of Representatives: History, Art, & Archives
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History, Art & Archives of the U.S. House of Representatives

Good Vibrations: In Defense of the Beach Boys

by History on June 27, 2013

The nation’s birthday is an event that annually unites Americans from all walks of life. But when a Cabinet Secretary tried to ban one of the most beloved rock groups of all time from playing a July Fourth concert on the National Mall in 1983, Members of the people’s House mounted a vigorous—and humorous—defense of the Beach Boys’ right to perform.

 

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Categories: Holidays, Institution

Getting a Foot in the (Chamber) Door

by History on June 18, 2013

When newly elected Resident Commissioner Federico Degetau of Puerto Rico, the first Member of Congress from the island territory, began his service in the 57th Congress (1901–1903), the media treated him with attentive curiosity. But despite the fanfare and expression of goodwill, Degetau remained unwelcome in the one place that served as the legislature’s nerve center: the House Floor.

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Categories: People, House Chamber, House Practice & Traditions, Minorities in Congress

Out of the Blue: UFOs and the Freedom of Information Act

by Archives on June 13, 2013

The existence of UFOs may seem like the exclusive domain of science fiction, but as Representative John Moss of California laid the groundwork for legislation that eventually became the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) in 1966, he didn’t discriminate in his pursuit to open as much government information as possible to the public.

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Categories: Records & Research, Legislation

“You Start It and You Like the Work, and You Just Keep On”

by History on June 3, 2013

To date, 259 Members have served 30 years or more in the U.S. Congress, constituting just two percent of the total historic membership. Yet in an institution where long service often yields greater power, many of these Members became some of the House’s most famous and influential people.

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Categories: Firsts & Milestones, People, Minorities in Congress

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