[Deschler's Precedents, Volume 1, Chapters 1 - 6]
[Chapter 3. Party Organization]
[B. Party Caucus or Conference]
[§ 3. Chairmen - Functions]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]
[Page 149-160]
CHAPTER 3
Party Organization
B. PARTY CAUCUS OR CONFERENCE
Sec. 3. Chairmen--Functions
At the beginning of a Congress, the Democratic Caucus and
Republican Conference elect chairmen.(9)
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9. See 8 Cannon's Precedents Sec. Sec. 3603, 3604a; Cannon's Procedure
in the House of Representatives, H. Doc. No. 122, 86th Cong.
1st Sess. (1959) p. 187; Riddick, Floyd M., Congressional
Procedure, Chapman and Grimes (Boston, 1941), pp. 31, 32.
The chairman of the caucus for the preceding Congress may
call the initial meeting to order. See Cannon's Procedure in
the House of Representatves, H. Doc. No. 122, 86th Cong. 1st
Sess. (1959), p. 187.
For discussion of more recent developments, including
procedures for calling an organizational meeting of the caucus
prior to the opening of a new Congress, see supplements to this
edition as they appear.
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The chairman has duties and functions which are to some extent
specified in the caucus or conference rules. Thus, the following rule
defines the authority of the Democratic Caucus Chairman with respect to
determining the time and place of caucus meetings:
Meetings of the Democratic caucus may be called by the chairman
upon his own motion and shall be called by him whenever requested
in writing by 50 members of the caucus or at the request of the
party leader. While the House is in session the Democratic caucus
shall meet regularly at a time and place to be determined by the
chairman, on the third Wednesday of each month, except January of
odd numbered years. If the House not be in session on the third
Wednesday, the monthly caucus shall be held on the next succeeding
Wednesday on which the House is in session. The chairman may cancel
any monthly caucus, but not two consecutive monthly caucuses,
provided members are given reasonable notice of such
cancellation.(10)
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10. Rule 3, Democratic Caucus Rules (July 20, 1971). For general
discussion of the caucus rules, see Sec. 4, infra.
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The caucus rules also delimit the role of the chairman in
determining the order and nature of business to be transacted at caucus
meetings. The caucus rules provide that, at each monthly caucus,
. . . members shall have the right to place before the caucus
any question, provided that notice of such intention is (1)
delivered to the office of the chairman, and (2) transmitted to all
members of the caucus not later than 5:00 p.m. on the ninth day
immediately preceding the day of such caucus. The chairman shall
prescribe the order of business and shall provide members with an
agenda at least 5 days before caucus. Amendments to the agenda
shall be in order only if
[[Page 150]]
submitted to caucus members at least 48 hours before the hour of
convening and if supported in writing by 50 members.(11)
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11. Rule 3, Democratic Caucus Rules (July 20, 1971).
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The following are rules of a general nature that relate to the
conduct of business by the chairman:
General parliamentary law, with such special rules as may be
adopted, shall govern the meetings of the Caucus.(12)
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12. Rule 5, Democratic Caucus Rules (July 20, 1971).
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That the 5-minute rule that governs the House of
Representatives shall govern debate in the Democratic Caucus,
unless suspended by a vote of the caucus.(13)
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13. Rule 9, Democratic Caucus Rules (July 20, 1971).
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. . . If the absence of a quorum is established, the chairman
may continue the meeting for purposes of discussion only, but no
motion of any kind, except a motion to adjourn, shall be in order
at such continued meeting.(14)
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14. Rule 4, Democratic Caucus Rules (July 20, 1971).
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No persons, except Democratic Members of the House of
Representatives, a caucus Journal Clerk, and other necessary
employees, shall be admitted to the meetings of the caucus without
the express permission of the chairman.(15)
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15. Rule 10, Democratic Caucus Rules (1971).
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In addition to those activities relating directly to his conduct of
caucus or conference business, the chairman undertakes certain
functions, described in succeeding sections, on the floor of the House.
It should also be noted that the chairman may serve as an ex officio
member of various party committees; the Chairman of the Democratic
Caucus, for example, has in past Congresses been an ex officio member
of the Steering Committee.(16)
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16. See Sec. 13, infra. -------------------
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Announcement of Candidate for Speaker
Sec. 3.1 At the beginning of every Congress, each caucus or conference
chairman announces in the House the name of his party's candidate
for the office of Speaker.
At the beginning of the 91st Congress, immediately following the
roll call of the states to establish a quorum and the announcement of
the receipt of the credentials of the Resident Commissioner from Puerto
Rico, the Clerk called for nominations for Speaker. The Chairman of the
Democratic Caucus, Mr. Daniel D. Rostenkowski, of Illinois, presented
the name of Mr. John W. McCormack, of Massachusetts. The Chairman of
the Republican Con
[[Page 151]]
ference, Mr. John Anderson, of Illinois, presented the name of Mr.
Gerald R. Ford, of Michigan.(17)
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17. 115 Cong. Rec. 13, 91st Cong. 1st Sess., Jan. 3, 1969. For
substantially the same proceedings in prior Congresses, see,
for example, 113 Cong. Rec. 12, 90th Cong. 1st Sess., Jan. 10,
1967; and 111 Cong. Rec. 17, 89th Cong. 1st Sess., Jan. 4,
1965. In the 90th Congress, 1st Sess. (113 Cong. Rec. 12), the
proceedings differed mainly in that the Clerk, before calling
for nominations for Speaker, announced a vacancy in the second
district of Rhode Island occasioned by the recent death of a
Representative-elect.
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Sec. 3.2 The Speaker having died prior to the second session of the
87th Congress, the Clerk at the beginning of the second session
called for nominations for Speaker, and the Chairmen of the
Democratic Caucus and Republican Conference announced their
respective parties' nominations for Speaker.
On Jan. 10, 1962,(18) the Clerk called the House to
order for the purpose of electing a Speaker. Immediately following the
call of the roll, the following proceedings took place:
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18. 108 Cong. Rec. 5, 87th Cong 2d Sess.
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The Clerk: Nominations for Speaker of the House of
Representatives are now in order.
The Clerk recognizes the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr.
Walter).
Mr. [Francis E.] Walter [of Pennsylvania]: Mr. Clerk, as
chairman of the Democratic Caucus I am directed by the unanimous
vote of that caucus to present for election to the office of
Speaker of the House of Representatives the name of the Honorable
John W. McCormack, a Representative from the State of
Massachusetts.
The Clerk: The gentleman from Iowa [Mr. Hoeven] is recognized.
Mr. [Charles B.] Hoeven [of Iowa]: Mr. Clerk, by authority, by
direction, and by unanimous vote of the Republican Conference, I
nominate for Speaker of the House of Representatives the Honorable
Charles A. Halleck, a Representative from the State of Indiana.
Third-Party Nomination for Speaker
Sec. 3.3 A third party may organize as a conference and name its
candidate for Speaker, and the chairman of such conference
announces his party's candidate for the Speakership in the same
manner as the major parties' candidates are announced.
On Jan. 5, 1937,(19) following the nominations by the
Chairman of the Democratic Caucus and Republican Conference of
candidates
[[Page 152]]
for the Speakership, the following proceedings took place:
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19. 81 Cong. Rec. 11, 75th Cong. 1st Sess.
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The Clerk: Are there any further nominations?
Mr. [Gardner R.] Withrow [of Wisconsin]: Mr. Clerk, as chairman
of the Farmer-Labor-Progressive Party's Conference, I have been
directed, and I have the authority, to present to this body as a
candidate for the Speakership of the Seventy-fifth Congress Hon.
George J. Schneider, a Representative-elect from the State of
Wisconsin.
Resolution Electing Speaker Pro Tempore
Sec. 3.4 The Chairman of the Democratic Caucus offered a resolution
electing a Speaker pro tempore.
On Jan. 10, 1966, Carl Albert, of Oklahoma, the Speaker pro tempore
by designation, left the chair pending the offering of a resolution
electing him as Speaker pro tempore during the absence of the
Speaker.(20) Mr. Albert requested that the chair be
temporarily assumed by Mr. Hale Boggs, of Louisiana, who thereupon
assumed the chair and recognized the Chairman of the Democratic Caucus
for purposes of offering the resolution.
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20. 112 Cong. Rec. 6, 89th Cong. 2d Sess.
Parliamentarian's Note: Speaker John W. McCormack (Mass.)
was absent because of the death of his brother. Since the
duration of the Speaker's absence was uncertain, and since
there were new Members present to be sworn as well as business
requiring a signature, the election of a Speaker pro tempore
was considered essential.
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A similar resolution was offered by the caucus chairman in the 87th
Congress.(1) Speaker Rayburn being absent on Aug. 31, 1961,
Carl Albert, the Democratic whip, called the House to order and laid
down a letter from the Speaker designating Carl Albert as Speaker pro
tempore for the day. Following the prayer, approval of the Journal and
receipt of a message from the Senate, the caucus chairman offered the
resolution electing John W. McCormack, of Massachusetts, as Speaker pro
tempore.
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1. 107 Cong. Rec. 17765, 17766, 87th Cong. 1st Sess., Aug. 31, 1961.
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Announcement of Election of Party Leader
Sec. 3.5 At the beginning of a Congress, it is usual for announcements
to be made by the caucus and conference chairmen as to their
respective parties' floor leaders.
On Jan. 3, 1969,(2) following the transaction of
business relating to
[[Page 153]]
the swearing in of Members, the following proceedings took place:
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2. 115 Cong. Rec. 34, 91st Cong. 1st Sess.
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Mr. [Daniel D.] Rostenkowski [of Illinois]: Mr. Speaker, as
Chairman of the Democratic caucus, I have been directed to report
to the House that the Democratic Members have selected as majority
leader the gentleman from Oklahoma, the Honorable Carl Albert.
Mr. [John B.] Anderson [of Illinois]: Mr. Speaker, as Chairman
of the Republican Conference, I am directed by that Conference to
officially notify the House that the gentleman from Michigan, the
Honorable Gerald R. Ford, has been selected as the minority leader
of the House.(3)
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3. Substantially the same procedure has been followed in other
Congresses. See, for example, 113 Cong. Rec. 27, 90th Cong. 1st
Sess., Jan. 10, 1967; 111 Cong. Rec. 20, 89th Cong. 1st Sess.,
Jan. 4, 1965; and 109 Cong. Rec. 13, 88th Cong. 1st Sess., Jan.
9, 1963.
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Sec. 3.6 Where a vacancy has occurred in the office of floor leader,
the chairman of the party caucus announces the party's selection of
a new floor leader.
On Jan. 10, 1962,(4) the Chairman of the Democratic
Caucus announced the selection of Carl Albert as Majority Leader, to
replace John W. McCormack, of Massachusetts, who had been elevated to
the Speakership after the death of Speaker Rayburn. The announcement
was made as follows:
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4. 108 Cong. Rec. 7, 87th Cong. 2d Sess.
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Mr. Walter: Mr. Speaker, as Chairman of the Democratic caucus I
am directed to report to the House that the Democratic Members have
selected as majority leader the gentleman from Oklahoma, the
Honorable Carl Albert.
Announcement of Republican Whip
Sec. 3.7 Generally,(5) after the members of the Republican
Conference select their party whip, such selection is announced to
the House by the chairman of the conference.(6)
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5. For occasions on which the selection of the Republican whip has
been announced by the Republican floor leader, see Sec. 23.3,
infra.
6. As to the announcement of the selection of the Democratic whip, see
Sec. 20.3, infra.
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On Jan. 3, 1969,(7) immediately after announcements
relating to the selection of party floor leaders, the following
announcement was made by the Chairman of the Republican Conference:
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7. 115 Cong. Rec. 34, 91st Cong. 1st Sess.
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Mr. [John B.] Anderson of Illinois: Mr. Speaker, as Chairman of
the Republican Conference, I am directed by that conference to
notify the House officially that the Republican Members
[[Page 154]]
have selected as minority whip the gentleman from Illinois, the
Honorable Leslie C. Arends.(8)
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8. Substantially similar proceedings have taken place in other
Congresses. See, for example 113 Cong. Rec. 27, 90th Cong. 1st
Sess., Jan. 10, 1967. Of course, announcements relating to the
selection of the whips are not always made at the same time as
announcements relating to the selection of floor leaders. In
the 89th Congress, for example, the Chairman of the Republican
Conference announced the selection of the minority whip on Jan.
14, 1965 (111 Cong. Rec. 656, 89th Cong. 1st Sess.), whereas
the selection of the floor leaders had been announced on Jan. 4
(111 Cong. Rec. 20, 89th Cong. 1st Sess.).
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Announcements as to Other Party Officers
Sec. 3.8 The Chairman of the Republican Conference has on occasion
announced to the House the selection of other party officers, in
particular the Chairman of the Republican Policy Committee and the
Chairman of the Republican Committee on Research and Planning.
On Jan. 10, 1967,(9) the Chairman of the Republican
Conference, after announcing the selection of the Minority Leader and
the minority whip, announced:
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9. 113 Cong. Rec. 27, 90th Cong. 1st Sess. See also 109 Cong. Rec.
506, 88th Cong. 1st Sess., Jan. 17, 1963, in which the Chairman
of the Republican Conference announced the selection of the
minority whip and the Chairman of the Republican Policy
Committee. In the 89th Congress (111 Cong. Rec. 20, 89th Cong.
1st Sess.), on Jan. 4, 1965, the conference chairman announced
first the selection of the Minority Leader and immediately
thereafter the selection of the Chairman of the Republican
Policy Committee; the announcement of the selection of the
minority whip was made by the conference chairman on Jan. 14,
1965 (111 Cong. Rec. 656, 89th Cong. 1st Sess.).
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The Conference has also directed me to notify the House
officially that the Republican Members have selected as Chairman of
the Republican Committee on Policy the gentleman from Arizona, the
Honorable John J. Rhodes, and has chosen as Chairman of the
Republican Committee on Research and Planning the gentleman from
New York, the Honorable Charles E. Goodell.
Resolution Naming Officers of the House
Sec. 3.9 The chairman of the caucus or conference customarily
introduces a resolution pertaining to the election of the Clerk of
the House, Sergeant at Arms, Doorkeeper, Postmaster, and Chaplain.
On Jan. 3, 1969,(10) the Chairman of the Democratic
Caucus of
[[Page 155]]
fered the following resolution, which was read by the Clerk:
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10. 115 Cong. Rec. 34, 91st Cong. 1st Sess.
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H. Res. 3
Resolved, That W. Pat Jennings, of the Commonwealth of
Virginia, be, and he is hereby, chosen Clerk of the House of
Representatives;
That Zeake W. Johnson, Jr., of the State of Tennessee, be, and
he is hereby, chosen Sergeant at Arms of the House of
Representatives;
That William M. Miller, of the State of Mississippi, be, and he
is hereby, chosen Doorkeeper of the House of Representatives;
That H. H. Morris, of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, be, and he
is hereby, chosen Postmaster of the House of Representatives;
That Reverend Edward G. Latch, of the District of Columbia, be,
and he is hereby, chosen Chaplain of the House of Representatives.
Immediately after the introduction of the above resolution, the
Chairman of the Republican Conference announced that he had a
substitute to offer to the resolution. He thereupon requested that
there be a division on the question on the resolution so as to permit a
separate vote on the office of the Chaplain. After that portion of the
resolution providing for the election of the Chaplain was agreed to,
the Chairman of the Republican Conference offered a substitute
amendment for the remainder of the resolution; such amendment, in the
same form as the original resolution, named different persons to fill
the posts of Clerk, Sergeant at Arms, Doorkeeper, and Postmaster. In
the proceedings that followed, the substitute amendment was rejected,
and the resolution offered by the Chairman of the Democratic Caucus was
agreed to.(11)
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11. 115 Cong. Rec. 34, 91st Cong. 1st Sess., Jan. 3, 1969. In the 90th
Congress (113 Cong. Rec. 27, 90th Cong. 1st Sess., Jan. 10,
1967), the proceedings were substantially the same, except that
the request for a division of the resolution electing officers
was made by the minority whip.
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In the 89th Congress,(12) no substitute amendment was
offered, and the resolution offered by the caucus chairman pertaining
to the election of the House officers was immediately agreed to.
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12. 111 Cong. Rec. 20, 89th Cong. 1st Sess., Jan. 4, 1965.
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Resolution as to Compensation of Minority Employees
Sec. 3.10 The chairman of the minority caucus or conference may
introduce a resolution relating to the compensation of certain
minority employees.
On Jan. 3, 1969,(13) the Chairman of the Republican
Conference
[[Page 156]]
offered a resolution relating to the compensation of certain minority
employees as follows:
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13. 115 Cong. Rec. 35, 91st Cong. 1st Sess. For further discussion of
the minority employees, see Sec. 1, supra.
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Mr. [John B.] Anderson of Illinois: Mr. Speaker, I offer a
resolution (H. Res. 8) and ask for its immediate consideration.
The Clerk read the resolution, as follows:
H. Res. 8
Resolved, That pursuant to the Legislative Pay Act of 1929,
as amended, six minority employees authorized therein shall be
the following-named persons . . . to wit: Harry L. Brookshire
and Richard T. Burress to receive gross compensation of $28,000
respectvely. . . .
Election of Members to Committee on Ways and Means
Sec. 3.11 Resolutions electing Democratic Members to the Committee on
Ways and Means, including resolutions to fill vacancies, are
offered in the House by the Chairman of the Democratic Caucus.
[Note: For more recent changes in the functions and composition of
the Committee on Ways and Means, see supplements to this edition as
they appear.]
On Jan. 14, 1969,(14) the following proceedings took
place:
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14. 115 Cong. Rec. 611, 91st Cong. 1st Sess.
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Mr. [Daniel D.] Rostenkowski [of Illinois]: Mr. Speaker, I
offer a privileged resolution (H. Res. 124) and ask for its
immediate consideration.
The Clerk read the resolution as follows:
H. Res. 124
Resolved, That Sam Gibbons, of Florida, be, and he is
hereby, elected a Member of the standing committee of the House
of Representatives on Ways and Means.
The resolution was agreed to.
Substantially the same procedure has been followed in other
Congresses.(15) On Jan. 16, 1962,(16) the
resolution offered by the caucus chairman named two persons for
membership on the Committee on Ways and Means, one of them the first
woman elected to the committee. The proceedings were as follows:
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15. See, for example, 114 Cong. Rec. 24220, 90th Cong. 2d Sess., July
30, 1968, in which the caucus chairman called up a resolution
electing Omar Burleson to the Committee on Ways and Means; Mr.
Burleson had previously resigned (114 Cong. Rec. 24215, 90th
Cong. 2d Sess., July 30, 1968) from two positions on committees
pending his election to the Committee on Ways and Means. See
also 110 Cong. Rec. 10027, 88th Cong. 2d Sess., May 5, 1964.
16. 108 Cong. Rec. 263, 87th Cong. 2d Sess.
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Mr. [Francis E.] Walter [of Pennsylvania]: Mr. Speaker, by
direction of the Democratic Caucus, I send to the desk a resolution
and ask for its immediate consideration.
[[Page 157]]
The Clerk read as follows:
H. Res. 507
Resolved, That Clark W. Thompson, of Texas, and Martha W.
Griffiths, of Michigan, be, and they are hereby, elected
members of the standing committee of the House of
Representatives on Ways and Means.
Resolution Electing Members to Other Standing Committees
Sec. 3.12 On occasion, the caucus chairman has offered a resolution
electing Members to various standing committees of the House.
On Jan. 5, 1937,(17) the Chairman of the Democratic
Caucus, Robert L. Doughton, of North Carolina, offered a resolution
electing Members to certain standing committees of the House.
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17. 81 Cong. Rec. 15, 75th Cong. 1st Sess. Ordinarily, at the beginning
of recent Congresses, the resolution electing Democratic
Members to the standing committees of the House has been
offered by the Democratic Chairman of the Ways and Means
Committee. For further discussion of assignments to standing
committees, see Sec. Sec. 9.1-9.5, infra; see also Ch. 17,
infra.
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On Jan. 23, 1961,(18) the Chairman of the Democratic
Caucus, Francis E. Walter, of Pennsylvania, offered separate
resolutions electing Members respectively to the standing Committee on
Rules and the standing Committee on Appropriations.
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18. 107 Cong. Rec. 1155. 87th Cong. 1st Sess.
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Announcement of Caucus Meeting
Sec. 3.13 The caucus chairman has on occasion made announcements in the
House concerning caucus meetings.
On Jan. 12, 1937,(19) the Chairman of the Democratic
Caucus made the following announcement in the House:
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19. 81 Cong. Rec. 190, 75th Cong. 1st Sess.
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Mr. [Robert L.] Doughton [of North Carolina]: Mr. Speaker, I
have asked for this time to inform the majority Members of the
House that there will be a Democratic Caucus at 10:30 o'clock
tomorrow morning to hear a report of the majority Committee on
Committees.
Ceremonial Activities; Courtesies
Sec. 3.14 The chairmen of the caucus and conference have on occasion
been appointed to the committee of escort(20) which
traditionally accom
[[Page 158]]
panies a new Speaker-elect to the chair.
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20. At times, the committee of escort has consisted only of the
majority and minority floor leaders. See Sec. 21.1, infra.
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On Jan. 10, 1967,(1) following the Clerk's announcement
of the election of the Speaker, the following proceedings took place:
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1. 113 Cong. Rec. 13, 90th Cong. 1st Sess.
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[The Clerk:] The Clerk appoints the following Committee to
escort the Speaker-elect to the chair: . . . the gentleman from
Wisconsin [Mr. Laird] . . . the gentleman from Illinois [Mr.
Rostenkowski]. . . .
The Doorkeeper announced the Speaker-elect of the House of
Representatives of the 90th Congress, who was escorted to the chair
by the committee of escort.
Committee to Notify President
Sec. 3.15 The chairman of the majority caucus has been appointed on
occasion to the committee to notify the President as to the
assembly of Congress.
In the 86th Congress, the committee to notify the President as to
the assembly of Congress consisted of the Majority Leader, the Minority
Leader, and the Chairman of the Democratic Caucus.(2)
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2. See 105 Cong. Rec. 15, 86th Cong. 1st Sess., Jan. 7, 1959.
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Administration of Oath to Speaker Pro Tempore
Sec. 3.16 On occasion,(3) the Chairman of the Democratic
Caucus has administered the oath to a newly-elected Speaker pro
tempore.
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3. For a discussion of other persons who might administer the oath to
a newly-elected Speaker pro tempore, see Ch. 6, infra.
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On Aug. 31, 1961,(4) after the adoption by the House of
a resolution introduced by the caucus chairman electing John W.
McCormack, of Massachusetts, the Speaker pro tempore, the caucus
chairman administered the oath to Mr. McCormack.
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4. 107 Cong. Rec. 17766, 87th Cong. 1st Sess.
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Assumption of Duties as Speaker Pro Tempore
Sec. 3.17 In the 88th Congress, the Chairman of the Republican
Conference(5) presided as Speaker pro tempore during
consideration of a resolution expressing the appreciation of the
House for the manner in which Speaker John W.
[[Page 159]]
McCormack, of Massachusetts, performed the duties of the Chair in
the 88th Congress.
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5. The chairman was acting for the minority whip, who was absent. The
minority whip usually fulfills the duties that were undertaken
by the conference chairman on the occasion described above. See
Sec. 24.1, infra.
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On Oct. 3, 1964,(6) shortly before adjournment of the
second session of the 88th Congress, the Speaker requested the Chairman
of the Republican Conference to assume the Chair as Speaker pro
tempore. Having assumed the Chair, the Speaker pro tempore, Gerald R.
Ford, of Michigan, recognized the Minority Leader, who sent to the desk
the resolution of thanks to the Speaker of the House. The Minority
Leader then delivered to the House remarks in praise of the Speaker, at
the conclusion of which the Speaker pro tempore stated, ``The question
is on the resolution.'' The resolution having been unanimously agreed
to, the Speaker pro tempore recognized the Speaker, who responded to
the resolution.
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6. 110 Cong. Rec. 24058, 24059, 88th Cong. 2d Sess.
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Tribute to Speaker for Campaign Efforts
Sec. 3.18 In the 91st Congress, the Chairman of the Democratic Caucus
inserted in the Congressional Record the text of a resolution
adopted by the caucus expressing gratitude to the Speaker for his
efforts during the recent election campaign.
On Nov. 18, 1970,(7) the Chairman of the Democratic
Caucus asked and was given permission to address the House for one
minute and to revise and extend his remarks and include extraneous
matter.
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7. 116 Cong. Rec. 37821, 37822, 91st Cong. 2d Sess.
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Mr. [Daniel D.] Rostenkowski [of Illinois]: Mr. Speaker, this
morning in the Democratic Caucus an extremely meritorious
resolution was unanimously adopted commending the Honorable John W.
McCormack, of the State of Massachusetts, for his participation in
last November's campaign.
This resolution was offered by our distinguished majority
leader, the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Albert), and I
wholeheartedly subscribe to the resolution which is as follows:
Resolution by Representative Carl Albert, Democratic Caucus,
November 18, 1970
. . . Whereas the Speaker elevated [the] campaign to a higher
plane by focusing on valid issues, promoting rational debate,
maintaining a demeanor fitting of high public office, and
disdaining divisive and inflammatory rhetoric; and
. . . Whereas his efforts in the late days of the campaign, and
the catalyzing effect of his statements on the issues were
resoundingly [successful] . . . Be it therefore
[[Page 160]]
Resolved, That this Democratic Caucus express its unanimous
gratitude to Speaker John W. McCormack for his leadership and
guidance during the election period just completed. . . .
Expressions of Praise or Recognition
Sec. 3.19 On special occasions, the caucus or conference chairman has
made appropriate remarks of felicitation or recognition.
On many occasions, the caucus or conference chairman has been among
those offering expressions of felicitation or recognition. Thus, during
proceedings relating to a resolution offered in the 91st Congress
commending Speaker John W. McCormack, of Massachusetts, on his length
of service as Speaker, the conference chairman, John B. Anderson, of
Illinois, was among those speaking in recognition of the Speaker's
record of service.(8)
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8. 116 Cong. Rec. 17023, 91st Cong. 2d Sess., May 26, 1970.
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Similarly, the chairman has announced birthdays and the like,
extending appropriate felicitations.(9)
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9. See, for example, 112 Cong. Rec. 15706, 89th Cong. 2d Sess., July
14, 1966 (birthday of party floor leader).
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