Director of Floor Operations is the title of two staff members in the United States House of Representatives, with the majority director in the speaker's office and the minority director in the minority leader's or minority whip's office. Each director is primarily responsible for informally counting votes and ascertaining the support of their party's members of Congress for particular legislation prior to recorded votes.[1][2]

Another responsibility of the role is persuading Members of Congress from their party to vote along with their party's Leadership, even when it is unpopular.[2] They may also be charged with coordinating outreach to allied groups of lobbyists, corporations, or unions.[3]

During the 112th Congress (2011–2012), the majority director of floor operations (for the Republicans) was Anne Thorsen[4] and the minority director of floor operations (for the Democrats) was Jerry Hartz.[1][5]

The director can also have a deputy, who assists with counting votes and running the floor.[6] During the 111th Congress (2009–2010), the majority deputy director of floor operations (for the Democrats) was Catlin O'Neill,[7][8] granddaughter of former Speaker Tip O'Neill.[6]

References

  1. ^ a b Susan Ferrechio, 3-Minute Interview: Jerry Hartz, Washington Examiner, March 9, 2009[permanent dead link]
  2. ^ a b Ryan Grim, Kyle Nevins: Blunt's smooth edge, Politico, July 21, 2008
  3. ^ Kate Ackley, Congress’ Wary Outreach to K St., Roll Call, January 29, 2007
  4. ^ "Boehner Announces More Staff Assignments for Speaker's Office" (Press release). Office of the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives.
  5. ^ Almanac of the Unelected: Staff of the U.S. Congress 2011. Lanham, Maryland: Bernan Press. 2011. p. 18. ISBN 978-1-59888-416-6.
  6. ^ a b Sasha Issenberg, Another O'Neill keeps watch over House gavel, Boston Globe, April 13, 2009
  7. ^ Paul Bedard, Cooperation Rules With Hill Staff Despite Polarization, U.S. News & World Report - Washington Whispers blog, March 17, 2010
  8. ^ Andie Coller, 25 people you should know on the Hill, Politico, January 6, 2009 Archived September 30, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
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