The sergeant at arms and doorkeeper, elected by the senators, serves as the chief law enforcement and protocol officer of the United States Senate and is the executive officer responsible for a host of support services in the Senate.
When the first Congress convened in 1789, Senate elected a doorkeeper to secure the Senate Chamber. At the time, the Senate met behind closed doors.
In 1795, when the sessions were open to the public, the doorkeeper was responsible for maintaining order on the floor of the Senate and in the galleries. The title of sergeant at arms was added in 1798 to reflect the expanded administrative duties of the position.
The sergeant at arms' protocol responsibilities include escorting the president, vice president, and other heads of state or official guests of the Senate who are attending official functions in the Capitol. The sergeant at arms also makes arrangements for funerals of senators who die in office as well as arrangements for deceased dignitaries who lie in state or in honor in the Rotunda. In addition, the sergeant at arms assists in plans for the inauguration of the president. The sergeant at arms leads the senators from the Senate to the House Chamber for Joint Sessions of Congress, to the presidential inaugural platform, or wherever the Senate may go as a body. As executive officer, the sergeant at arms has custody of the Senate gavel.
As chief law enforcement officer of the Senate, the sergeant at arms is charged with maintaining security in the Capitol and all Senate office buildings, as well as providing for the protection of senators. The sergeant at arms also has responsibility for and immediate supervision of the Senate floor, Chamber, and galleries. The sergeant at arms can compel senators to come to the Chamber to establish a quorum and helps to oversee the operations of the Capitol Police.
The Office of the Sergeant at Arms is also responsible for enforcing all the rules of the Senate and protecting the Senate's hardware, network, and data. The sergeant at arms provides Senate computers, equipment, and technology support services.
As executive officer of the Senate, the sergeant at arms also provides video and recording services, including broadcasts of the Senate floor and Committee hearings. The sergeant at arms also offers photographic services, printing and graphics services, and telecommunications services to Senate offices. In addition, the Sergeant at Arms provides assistance to all Senate offices with their staffing, mailing, and state office needs.
The sergeant at arms also shares responsibility for the Senate Page Program and the Joint Office of Training and Development with the secretary of the Senate.
