A message from Congressman Wittman

 

 

 

 

January 6, 2015

 

 

 

 

 

Mr. Robert B. Alexander, Jr.

615 Carys Chapel Rd
Yorktown, VA 23693-2509

 

Dear Mr. Alexander:

 

Thank you for contacting my office to express your views on Rep. John Boehner serving as the Speaker of the House for the 114th Congress. I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts with me on this issue. I value your views on the important issues facing our Commonwealth and the Nation.

 

As you know, prior to the official election of the Speaker in January, members of the majority party select a Speaker Designee who begins work on the legislative agenda for the new Congress. The designee assumes the official duties as Speaker when the new Congress convenes. At the beginning of each new session of the House of Representatives, Members formally elect a Speaker by roll call vote when it first convenes. Customarily, the conference of each major party nominates a candidate whose name is placed in nomination. Members normally vote for the candidate of their own party conference, but may vote for any individual, whether nominated or not. To be elected, a candidate must receive an absolute majority of all the votes cast for individuals.

 

The Speaker's most prominent role is that of presiding officer of the House. In this capacity, the Speaker is empowered by House rules to administer proceedings on the House floor, including the power to recognize Members on the floor to speak or make motions and the power to appoint Members to conference committees. The Speaker also oversees much of the non-legislative business of the House, such as general control over the Hall of the House and the House side of the Capitol and service as chair of the House Office Building Commission. The Speaker serves as leader of the majority party conference and is often responsible for airing and defending the majority party's legislative agenda in the House.

 

Thank you again for sharing your views and opinions with me. I will keep your thoughts in mind as it relates to your views on Speaker Boehner. I am committed to serving you to the best of my abilities. If I can ever be of assistance to you or your family, please do not hesitate to call me at (202) 225-4261 or contact me online at: www.wittman.house.gov.