Jefferson's Manual, Rules and Practice of the House of Representatives
Rule IV

DUTIES OF THE SERGEANT-AT-ARMS

1. It shall be the duty of the Sergeant-at-Arms to attend the House during its sittings, to maintain order under the direction of the Speaker or Chairman, and, pending the election of a Speaker or Speaker pro tempore, under the direction of the Clerk, execute the commands of the House, and all processes issued by authority thereof, directed to him by the Speaker.

2. The symbol of his office shall be the mace, which shall be borne by him while enforcing order on the floor.

3. He shall enforce strictly the rules relating to the privileges of the Hall and be responsible to the House for the official conduct of his employees.

4. He shall allow no person to enter the room over the Hall of the House during its sittings; and fifteen minutes before the hour of the meeting of the House each day he shall see that the floor is cleared of all persons except those privileged to remain, and kept so until ten minutes after adjournment.

5. In addition to any other reports required by the Speaker or the Committee on House Oversight, the Sergeant-at-Arms shall report to the Committee on House Oversight not later than 45 days following the close of each semiannual period ending June 30 or on December 31 on the financial and operational status of each function under the jurisdiction of the Sergeant-at-Arms. Each report shall include financial statements, a description or explanation of current operations, the implementation of new policies and procedures, and future plans for each function.

6. The Sergeant-at-Arms shall fully cooperate with the appropriate offices and persons in the performance of reviews and audits of financial records and administrative operations.

Return to the House Sergeant at Arms Home Page