Welcome to the U.S. Senate Committee on Rules and Administration website. The Rules Committee is one of the oldest committees of the United States Senate. Our origins date back to the early days of the Republic when the first Senate convened in March 1789 and establishged a committee to prep... (Read More)
Featured Stories
Energy and Environmental Showcase
05.07.2009 - The Senate Committee on Rules and Administration is the authorizing committee for the Legislative Branch and as such has oversight for the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) and administration of the Senate office buildings. In working with the Architect, specifically the Senate Superintendent, the committee has helped establish recycling programs and the energy awareness effort.
Senate Plaque to Honor Slaves Who Helped Build U.S. Capitol
04.21.2009 - On February 25, 2009, the Senate passed S. Res. 53, a resolution authorizing the placement of a plaque in the Senate wing of the Capitol commemorating the role of the enslaved African Americans who helped to construct the building. The Chairman and Ranking Member of the Rules Committee are original co-sponsors of the legislation that will provide for a plaque to be placed inside on the third floor of the Senate Wing of the Capitol in the East Front corridor. It will be placed near an original wall that was constructed between 1793 and 1800. The legislation authorizes the Senate Commission on Art to procure an appropriate plaque under the direction of the Rules Committee, on which both the Chairman and the Ranking member of the Rules Committee serve.
Committee Schedule
06/10/2009 Executive Business Meeting
Discover and learn about the 2009 Inaugural Ceremonies
Since 1901, the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies has been responsible for the planning and execution of the swearing-in ceremonies and the luncheon of the inauguration of the President of the United States at the U.S. Capitol.
Did You Know?
The Ladies Gallery
Visitors watch the proceedings of the Senate from galleries that surround the Chamber. The Senate first opened its doors to visitors in 1795. Throughout the 19th century, the Senate visitors' galleries, including a gallery set aside for ladies, became a popular destination for residents and tourists.
