Who Leads the House of Representatives
The Speaker of the House is in charge of the House of Representatives. The Speaker presides over sessions, sets the legislative agenda, and represents the House in official proceedings. The role is established in Article I, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution.
How the Speaker Is Selected
The Speaker is elected by a majority vote of the full House at the start of each new Congress. Members typically vote along party lines, and the Speaker is usually the leader of the majority party. The Speaker can be removed or replaced at any time by a House vote.
Current Leadership and Responsibilities
As of the 118th Congress, the Speaker oversees committee assignments, controls floor debate rules, and signs passed legislation before it moves to the Senate. The Speaker is second in the presidential line of succession, after the Vice President. For more details on House leadership, visit https://www.house.gov/leadership.
