C.2. Congressional Timekeeping

On the first day of each Congress, at 8:00 a.m. the Chief Justice will administer the congressional oath of office to a single Representative, chosen randomly by lot. That Representative will act as Acting Speaker of the House until a new Speaker is elected.

The Acting Speaker of the House will then administer the oath of office to each Representative. Similarly, the most senior Senator, determined by date of election, then birthdate, and finally alphabetical order of first, last, and other names, if necessary, will administer the oath of office to each newly elected Senator.

C.2(a). Oath of Office

C.2(b). Election of Leadership

C.2(c). Legislative Day