§015d. (CB) Deschler, Lewis (1903-1976)

Cyclopedia

Lewis Deschler

Lewis Deschler (1905 – 1976) served as the first Parliamentarian of the United States House of Representatives. He also was the longest serving, spanning six decades (1920s through the 1970s). He was appointed Parliamentarian and began his role as such on February 1, 1927 during the 70th United States Congress. Before Deschler became Parliamentarian, the position was referred to as the Clerk at the Speaker’s Table. Deschler filled the position upon the retirement of Lehr Fess.

Deschler served as the Parliamentarian from 1927 until his retirement on June 27, 1974 during the 93rd United States Congress. His tenure spanned 24 Congresses and over 47 years. The current compilation of the precedents of the House are authorized by law, is commonly known as “Deschler’s Precedents” .

On July 12, 1976, Lewis Deschler died at the age of 71.

Congresses

70th (1927–1929), 71st (1929–1931), 72nd (1931–1933), 73rd (1933–1935), 74th (1935–1937), 75th (1937–1939), 76th (1939–1941), 77th (1941–1943), 78th (1943–1945), 79th (1945–1947), 80th (1947–1949), 81st (1949–1951), 82nd (1951–1953), 83rd (1953–1955), 84th (1955–1957), 85th (1957–1959), 86th (1959–1961), 87th (1961–1963), 88th (1963–1965), 89th (1965–1967), 90th (1967–1969), 91st (1969–1971), 92nd (1971–1973), 93rd (1973–1975)