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On the opening day of the 119th Congress, the House conducted a 'Call of the House' to formally record which members were present and ensure a quorum was reached to begin business.
This vote was a 'Call of the House,' a standard procedure used at the start of a new session of Congress. Its purpose is to officially record the attendance of members to ensure that a 'quorum'—the minimum number of members required to conduct legal business—is present in the chamber. Procedurally, this is not a vote for or against a specific law. Instead, members use the electronic voting system to signal that they are 'present.' Because it is the very first roll call of a new Congress, it serves as the formal starting point for all subsequent activities, such as electing the Speaker of the House and swearing in members. The call successfully established that a quorum was present, allowing the 119th Congress to proceed with its organizational business. While most members recorded their presence, a small number from both parties were absent for this initial roll call.
Following this quorum call, the House typically proceeds to the election of the Speaker of the House and the administration of the oath of office to members.
Democrats. 95 Democratic members recorded themselves as present, while five did not record their presence.
Republicans. 102 Republican members recorded themselves as present, while four did not record their presence.
Jan 6, 2026
On the opening day of the 119th Congress, the House conducted a 'Call of the House' to formally record which members were present and ensure a quorum was reached to begin business.
A 'Call of the House' is a roll call where members record themselves as 'present' rather than voting 'yes' or 'no' on a bill. It is used to establish that the House has the minimum number of members required to conduct business.
Following this quorum call, the House typically proceeds to the election of the Speaker of the House and the administration of the oath of office to members.
Members from both parties participated in the quorum call to begin the new session of Congress.
95 Democratic members recorded themselves as present, while five did not record their presence.
102 Republican members recorded themselves as present, while four did not record their presence.
One independent member recorded their presence.