House of Representatives

A house is a place that functions as a dwelling. It may be a single-family house, or it may contain numerous families in structures such as townhouses or row houses. Often, houses are accompanied by outbuildings such as garages and sheds for storage purposes. Houses are also sometimes used to refer to buildings that function as a public service, such as schools or hospitals. The word house can also be used to refer to the United States Congress’s chamber of Representatives. A house can be a source of pride, but it is equally likely to be the cause of frustration and disappointment. Buying a home is usually one of the biggest financial decisions that people make, and it can be hard to separate emotions from rational evaluation.

The word house can be used to refer to the physical structure of a dwelling, or it can be used to refer to the broader concept of home, including the sense of warmth and security that comes with ownership. People often feel a sense of responsibility to keep their homes in good condition, and they tend to spend a great deal of time there. In recent years, the rise of telecommuting has caused many people to combine work and home life in their houses, raising issues of privacy.

Some societies have built large houses, while others have favored small dwellings for the sake of economy and simplicity. The earliest houses were probably simple timber frames covered with mud. More recently, people have experimented with building houses using a wide variety of materials and techniques. Some houses have integrated the eating area into the kitchen, while others have separate dining rooms. In some cultures, domestic animals like chickens have lived in the same house as humans.

Traditionally, the House has had several committees that examine legislation, oversee independent government bodies, and make advisory reports. The chair of a committee is generally considered to be part of the leadership hierarchy of the House.

Members of the House sit in a large chamber, which has a rostrum at the front from which the Speaker, or Speaker pro tempore, presides when the House is in session. There is a central aisle that divides the seats, with Democrats sitting to the left of the rostrum and Republicans to the right. The House is governed by the rules of its own chamber, which differ from those of the Senate.

Besides the standing committees, the House has special interest and temporary committees. It also establishes joint committees with the Senate, such as the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. The number of House members is determined by the Constitution, which stipulates that each state must be represented by at least one member. Vacancies are filled through special elections or by appointment by the President, and the House is empowered to censure or reprimand its members. The House can also appoint certain officials to serve on its committees. These officers typically serve for two-year terms.