Privileged Pioneers
About this object Rep. Charles Halleck—center, next to Speaker Rayburn—was the first Member to move into the Rayburn. He chose a prime space, on the north side of the building where he and his staff could enjoy a view of the Capitol.
A space in Rayburn was a privilege senior Members eagerly seized. Veteran lawmaker Charlie Halleck pioneered the influx. When he lost his post of Republican leader—and along with it, his space in the Capitol— he was given a Rayburn office ahead of the traditional lottery. Shortly thereafter, the lottery started with Representatives who had 14 Congresses under their belts, and then moved down the seniority list. The 169 offices were filled before any junior Members had a chance.
Being a pioneer had its downsides, too. The train was not ready immediately, nor were the gym or cafeteria. Some Members also had some trouble finding their way around, initially. The New York Times reported that members Pete Frelinghuysen of New Jersey and Silvio Conte of Massachusetts admitted to having lost their way en route to the Capitol through the extensive corridors of their new office building. Both also added, however, that the adjustment was worth it for all the new conveniences the Rayburn building offered.