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House Committee Leadership Procedures
Democratic Caucus Procedures
The Democratic Steering and Policy Committee nominates Chairmen, subject to approval to the
entire Democratic Caucus, with the exception of three committees. Democratic rules govern that
“merit, length of service on the committee and degree of
commitment to the Democratic agenda
of the nominee, and diversity of the Caucus” are considered in the selection of Chairman.
Democrats have historically selected the most senior member on
each committee as Chairman.
In 2009, Democrats removed the House rule established in 1995 limiting a Chairman from
serving no longer than three terms.
The Democratic Leader nominates a Chair for the Committees on Rules and House
Administration, subject to the approval of the entire Caucus. The Budget Chair is selected
from among members choosing to run for the position, and is not solely based upon seniority.
For Speaker of the House, Democrats nominate a candidate in the Democratic Caucus, by
majority vote. That candidate proceeds to the House Floor, where House Rules dictate that
the Speaker receive a majority, 218 votes, to be elected Speaker. With 234 Democratic
17 Democratic votes, unless Members do not participate, or vote present.
Republican Conference Procedures
The Republican Steering Committee nominates Ranking Members, subject to approval to
the entire Republican Conference, with the exception of Rules and House Administration.
service on the committee. In 2013, House Republicans reinstated a three-term limit for
Committee leadership.
The Republican Minority Leader selects the Ranking Member of Rules and Ranking Member of
House Administration. Nominees are subject to the approval of the Republican Conference.
Source: Congressional Research Service