What does a united states representative do?

What this office controls

• Votes on all federal legislation.
• Originates all revenue and tax bills, which constitutionally must start in the House.
• Holds the power of impeachment — the House brings charges, the Senate tries them.
• Directs federal agency oversight through committee work.
• Handles casework for constituents dealing with federal agencies such as the VA, Social Security, or immigration services.

What it can’t do

Just as important, and the source of most misplaced expectations about the job:

• Represents only your district — neighboring districts have their own representative.
• Cannot act on state or local matters like zoning, property tax, or school curriculum.
• One of 435 votes, so individual influence depends heavily on committee assignments and coalitions.

Why this race matters

This is the federal official closest to you, elected every two years from a district drawn to hold roughly 760,000 people. Constituent casework — a stuck passport, a denied veterans' benefit — is handled here, and district boundaries can change between elections through redistricting.

What to look for in a candidate

• Voting record and attendance if they are an incumbent.
• Committee assignments and what those committees control.
• Volume and quality of district constituent services.
• Positions on the specific federal issues affecting your district's economy.
• How often they break with their party.