David K. Stone (American, 1922 - 2001) "U.S. House of Representatives" Signed lower right. Original Oil painting on Masonite. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting originally appeared on the Fleetwood First Day of Issue Maximum Card for the U.S. 25c U.S. House of Representatives Bicentennial stamp issued April 4, 1989. Following ratification of the Constitution, the House first convened in 1789 with sixty-five members. By 1913, membership had grown to four hundred thirty-five. The House has remained at that number since, with the exception of a temporary expansion in 1959 to four hundred thirty-seven members when Hawaii and Alaska were admitted to the Union. The number of Representatives from a state are based on population, and is reapportioned after each census to maintain a fair distribution. Representatives conduct business in committees and subcommittees, the most important of which are are Ways and Means, Appropriations, and Rules. The House processes ten to fifteen thousand bills yearly and enacts a large number of public and private laws. It also has the power to elect a President, should the electoral college fail to do so, and the House alone has the power to impeach the President and other high-ranking officials. Image Size: 13.25 x 20.75 in. Overall Size: 23.75 x 26.75 in. Unframed. (B11961)