Office explainer
What a U.S. Representative does
A representative speaks for one congressional district in the House — the chamber closest to local voters, redrawn every ten years by population.
- Term length
- Two years; the whole House stands for election each cycle.
- How they're chosen
- Elected by voters inside a single congressional district.
What the office can do
- Writes, amends, and votes on federal legislation.
- Originates all revenue and tax bills.
- Controls federal spending through the appropriations process.
- Conducts oversight and investigations through committees.
- Holds the sole power to impeach federal officials.
What you can ask them for
- Casework: help resolving a problem with a federal agency.
- Ask how they voted on a specific bill and why the office says so publicly.
- Request a meeting with district staff about a federal issue.
- Ask for a tour or internship through the district office.
Background from the chamber's own explainer: house.gov.