Doorkeeper of the United States House of Representatives

An appointed officer of the United States House of Representatives from 1789 to 1995, the Doorkeeper of the United States House of Representatives was chosen by a resolution at the opening of each United States Congress. The Office of the Doorkeeper was based on precedent from the Continental Congresses. Without debate, the First Federal Congress created the Doorkeeper’s position by resolution on April 2, 1789. The Doorkeeper controlled access to the House Chamber and eventually oversaw the press in the gallery.

The office of Doorkeeper was abolished during the 104th Congress (Pub.L. 104–186). Thirty-three Doorkeepers served until the position was abolished by the 104th Congress and the office's duties were divided among the Sergeant at Arms, the Clerk of the House, and the newly created Chief Administrative Officer.

List of Doorkeepers

Two Doorkeepers also served as members of the United States House of Representatives (indicated below by asterisks) either prior to or after their service as a House officer.

Notes

1. ^ A Doorkeeper's state or territory is listed when known.
2. ^ Gifford Dalley's last name has been spelled "Dalley," "Dally," and "Dudley" in various editions of the Register of Debates.
3. ^ Election of Doorkeeper was postponed to March 1, 1851, when it was postponed indefinitely. Horner retained the duties of Doorkeeper from the 30th Congress until his removal on May 27, 1850. House Journal, 31st Cong., 1st sess., (May 27, 1850): 966; House Journal, 31st Cong., 2nd sess., (March 3, 1851): 406.
4. ^ Hurt is listed in the House Journal as residing in the state of Mississippi in the 50th Congress and in the state of Tennessee in the 53rd Congress.
5. ^ Died on January 27, 1943. See, House Journal, 78th Cong., 1st sess. (January 28, 1943): 72.
6. ^ Elected on February 5, 1943. See, House Journal, 78th Cong., 1st sess. (February 5, 1943): 86.
7. ^ Resigned effective December 31, 1974. See, Congressional Record, 93rd Cong., 2nd sess. (December 19, 1974): 2549.
8. ^ Appointed “to act as and to temporarily exercise” the duties of Doorkeeper effective December 31, 1974. See, Congressional Record, 93rd Cong., 2nd sess. (December 19, 1974): 2549.

Sources

• Clerk of the House:
  • House Journal, various editions; Congressional Record, various editions;
  • Biographical Directory of the United States Congress (2005);
  • Congressional Directory, various editions;
  • Donald Bacon, et al., Encyclopedia of the U.S. Congress, vol. 1 (NY: Simon and Schuster, 1995): 659-661.