Records of the U.S. House of Representatives

Records of the U.S. House of Representatives include a variety of record types, such as bill files, bound volumes, committee papers, minute and docket books, and petitions and memorials. Records span from 1789 to the present. They include material referred to and generated by the many committees, as well as records of the Clerk of the House of Representatives.

House records are divided into browse lists by type of committee (standing, select, or special) or administrative office.

Standing Committees
Standing Committees are permanently authorized by House rules.

Select Committees
Select Committees are appointed to perform a special function that is beyond the authority or capacity of a standing committee, and expire on completion of their assigned duties.

Special Committees
Special Committees are appointed to perform a special function that is beyond the authority or capacity of a standing committee, and are investigative in nature rather than legislative.

Administrative Offices
The Clerk of the House is the chief legislative officer for the House of Representatives.

Note: The House determines access policies for its records. House Rule VII opens most records when they are 30 years old. Records containing highly personal information, material closed by statute, and records of executive sessions are closed for 50 years.