House of Representatives
- Members: 435 (each state's representation is based on their share of the population)
- Terms: 2 years (there is no term limit)
- Must be at least 25 years old
- Must have been a citizen of the for at least the past seven years
- Must have lived in the state they represent at the time of the election
- Salary: $174,00 per year (Speaker and majority/minority leaders get paid more; $223,000 for the speaker and $193,400 for the majority.minority leaders)
- Benefits: Covered by a federal retirement system. Pension depends on years of service. Average Pension around $60,000. Franking Privilege (Every congressmen gets to business mail without cost to themselves as long as it is not related to campaigning.)
Leadership
Speaker of the HouseThis is a constitutionally mandated position. They are chosen by the majority party. They preside over the house when it is in session, influence committee
assignments, appoints party leaders in the legislature, and influences which bills are assigned to which committees. Currently John Boehner
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Majority LeaderThe key ally of the Speaker of the House. Responsible for scheduling bills to be debated, influences committee assignments, and helps to round up votes for their party on any given bill.
Currently Eric Cantor
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Majority WhipWorks with majority leader to count votes before an official vote and to lean on waverers whose votes are key to the passage of a bill.
Currently Kevin McCarthy
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Minority LeaderPrincipal leader of the minority party in the House of Representatives.
Currently Nancy Pelosi
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Minority WhipWorks with majority leader to count votes before an official vote and to lean on waverers whose votes are key to the passage of a bill.
Currently Steny Hoyer
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