Congressional Profile

Total Membership:

435 Representatives

2 Delegates

1 Resident Commissioner

Party Divisions:*

221 Republicans

213 Democrats

1 Independent

*Party division totals are based on election day results.

Leadership & Officers

Speaker of the House:

Joseph W. Martin, Jr. (R-Massachusetts)

Majority Leader:

Charles A. Halleck (R-Indiana)

Minority Leader:

Sam Rayburn (D-Texas)

DemocraticWhip:

John W. McCormack (D-Massachusetts)

RepublicanWhip:

Leslie C. Arends (R-Illinois)

Democratic Caucus Chairman:

Wilbur D. Mills (D-Arkansas)

Republican Conference Chairman:

Clifford R. Hope (R-Kansas)

Clerk of the House:

Lyle O. Snader

Doorkeeper:

Tom Kennamer Elected January 3, 1953

Postmaster:

Beecher Hess

Sergeant at Arms:

William F. Russell Elected January 3, 1953; died July 7, 1953

Lyle O. Snader Served from July 8, 1953, to September 15, 1953, to fill vacancy.

William R. Bonnell Appointed September 15, 1953

Chaplain of the House:

Rev. Bernard Braskamp - Presbyterian

To view complete lists of individuals who have served in these leadership and official positions since the 1st Congress, return to House History.

Legislative Activities

Résumés of Congressional Activity:

Résumés of Congressional Activity for the 83rd Congress