Company Profile
U.S. House of Representatives, Office of the Sergeant at Arms
Company Overview
As an elected officer of the House of Representatives, the Sergeant at Arms is the chief law enforcement and protocol officer of the House of Representatives and is responsible for maintaining order in the House side of the United States Capitol complex. The Sergeant at Arms reviews and implements all issues relating to the safety and security of Members of Congress and the Capitol complex. The Sergeant at Arms also coordinates extensively with the U.S. Capitol Police and various intelligence agencies to assess threats against Members of Congress and the Capitol complex.
Duties include overseeing the House floor and galleries, the House Appointments Desk, the House garages and parking lots, as well as administering all staff identification badges.
The following divisions comprise the Office of the Sergeant at Arms:
Administrative Division
Protocol and Special Events
Chamber Operations
Emergency Management
House Garages & Parking Security
House Security
Immediate Office
Identification Services
Information Services
Member Support
Police Services/Law Enforcement
Company History
An officer of the House whose history extends back to the First Congress, the Sergeant at Arms is the chamber’s principal law enforcement official, charged with maintaining security on the floor and for the House side of the Capitol complex. The modern Sergeant at Arms serves on the Capitol Police Board and the Capitol Guide Board along with the Senate Sergeant at Arms and the Architect of the Capitol. Including William McFarland, a total of 39 individuals have served as the House Sergeant at Arms since 1789.
Mandated under the current House Rule II, the Sergeant at Arms also enforces protocol and ensures decorum during floor proceedings. The Mace, which symbolizes the authority of the House, is maintained by the Office of the Sergeant at Arms. On occasion, the Sergeant at Arms has presented the Mace to restore order on the floor. The Sergeant at Arms also is empowered to compel absent Members onto the House floor to conduct business. Over time, the office’s duties have encompassed administrative functions: arranging Capitol funerals, managing parking facilities, and issuing identification to Members and staff.
Eight Sergeants at Arms also served as U.S. Representatives either prior to or after their service as a House officer.
Benefits
The U.S. House of Representatives offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes vacation and sick leave, holidays, health/life insurance, paid FMLA and excellent retirement program options:
Medical, Dental, Vision, Long Term Care, and Life Insurance
Flexible Spending Accounts
Retirement Program and Thrift Savings Plan
Student Loan Repayment Program
Transit Benefits, Fitness Center, and Employee Assistance Program