The House of Representatives is the lower chamber of the U.S. Congress, composed of 435 voting members who represent individual congressional districts across the states, plus nonvoting delegates from Washington, D.C. and U.S. territories. Representatives serve two-year terms, with all seats up for election every even-numbered year, making the House a body that is closely tied to the current will of the voters. The House has unique powers, including the authority to initiate revenue bills and to impeach federal officers, and it elects the president if no candidate receives a majority of electoral votes. Key points about the current composition and structure:
- Membership: 435 voting representatives, plus nonvoting delegates (from D.C. and several U.S. territories).
- Term length and elections: Two-year terms; all seats are contested in each even-numbered year, ensuring regular turnover and responsiveness to constituents.
- Leadership and organization: The House is led by the Speaker, with party leadership and committee structures that oversee legislation, oversight, and budgeting processes.
- Districting: Each state is divided into congressional districts based on population from the decennial census, with each district electing one representative; every state must have at least one representative.
If you’d like, I can provide:
- A current list of members by state or district.
- The party composition breakdown (as of the latest Congress).
- Information on leadership (Speaker, Majority/Minority leaders, committee chairs).
- How a bill becomes law in the House, including the role of committees and floor votes.
