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This Week in House History
The historical highlights featured in This Week in House History are written by the historians, archivists, and curators who preserve the history of the U.S House of Representatives. New highlights are added weekly. The collection, searchable by date or subject, includes more than 400 historical House events.
Secretary of State Addresses Congress Following Moscow Conference
November 18, 1943
On this date, Secretary of State Cordell Hull addressed a Joint Meeting becoming the first cabinet Member ever to address the Congress. Many hoped this occasion would improve open lines of communication between the President and Congress. The historic address followed Hull's successful negotiations at the Moscow Conference, with the Soviet Union, Great Britain, and China.
Congressman Ryan Dies while Investigating Jonestown
November 18, 1978
On this date, a delegation led by Congressman Leo Ryan was ambushed in the South American country of Guyana leaving five dead including Representative Ryan. The group's mission was to investigate allegations of abuse at an American settlement of cult leader Jim Jones. The delegation consisted of Representative Ryan, family members of those in the cult, reporters, and staff assistant Jackie Speier.
Congress Overrides a Presidential Veto and Expands FOIA
November 20, 1974
On this date, the House overwhelmingly overrode President Gerald R. Ford's veto of an expansion of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Since its enactment in 1966, FOIA permitted public access to unclassified executive branch documents, but the law proved cumbersome to employ and agencies found loopholes to deny access to documents. Representative William Moorhead and Senator Edward Kennedy led the charge in Congress to expand and streamline FOIA.
Josiah Bartlett is Born
November 21, 1729
On this date, Josiah Bartlett was born in Amesbury, Massachusetts. Bartlett served in the Continental Congress, signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776, and was elected to attend the Federal Convention meeting in Philadelphia that drafted the Constitution in 1787, but did not attend due to the fact that New Hampshire did not provide travel funds. Had he gone to Philadelphia, he would most certainly have joined Roger Sherman as one of the only people to sign the Declaration, the Articles of Confederation, and the Constitution.