Thomas Brackett Reed

Speaker who counted a quorum by fiat and, earning the name Czar Reed, built the modern speakership.

Overview

Facing minority obstruction in 1889, Reed simply directed the clerk to count Democrats who were present but refusing to answer roll call, ruling that the Constitution required the House to function, in an episode remembered as the battle of the rules. His Reed Rules ended the disappearing quorum and let majorities legislate again. As Speaker in the 51st and 54th through 56th Congresses, 1889 to 1891 and 1895 to 1899, he centralized power and presided over landmark tariff and civil service fights. He resigned in 1899 opposing expansionism, famously noting that an empire abroad could coexist with despotism at home.