Party whips of the United States House of Representatives
| Majority Whip of the United States House of Representatives Republican Whip |
|
|---|---|
| Style | Whip |
| Inaugural holder | James Albertus Tawney |
| Formation | 1897 |
| Minority Whip of the United States House of Representatives Democratic Whip |
|
|---|---|
| Style | Whip |
| Inaugural holder | Oscar Underwood |
| Formation | 1899 |
 |
This article includes a list of references, but its sources remain unclear because it has insufficient inline citations. Please help to improve this article by introducing more precise citations. (October 2011) |
A whip in the United States House of Representatives manages his party's legislative program on the House floor. The Whip keeps track of all legislation and ensures that all party members are present when important measures are to be voted upon.
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[edit] Current role
The Majority Whip is an elected member of the majority party who assists the Speaker of the House and the Majority Leader to coordinate ideas on, and garner support for, proposed legislation. This position, unlike Speaker of the House, is not mandated by the Constitution.
The Minority Whip is a member of the minority party who assists the Minority Leader in coordinating the party caucus in its responses to legislation and other matters. However, the United States House of Representatives does not use the term "Minority Whip." The House of Representatives uses the terms "Republican Whip" or "Democratic Whip" depending on the Minority Party.
[edit] List of party whips, 1897–present
(Names in Bold indicate Majority)
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ Sources differ on the dates that Underwood served as Whip:
- One indicates that he served from 1899–1901. See "Democratic Whips". Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives. http://clerk.house.gov/art_history/house_history/dem_whips.html. Retrieved April 21, 2010.
- Another indicates that he served only during 1901. See Heitshusen, Valerie (February 27, 2007). Party Leaders in Congress, 1789-2007: Vital Statistics. Congressional Research Service. p. CRS–11. http://www.rules.house.gov/archives/RL30567.pdf. Retrieved April 21, 2010.
- According to a contemporary newspaper article, "Representative Underwood has been voluntarily filling that position [Democratic whip] since Congress convened" (December 4, 1899). See "Call for a Democratic Caucus". The New York Times: p. 8. January 9, 1900.
