Daniel P. Coughlin, served as the 59th Chaplain of the United States House of Representatives from March 23, 2000, to April 14, 2011. He was the first Roman Catholic priest to serve in that position, and the process that led to his selection included some controversy. However, as a 2010 article in The Washington Post pointed out, on the occasion of Coughlin's tenth anniversary in the House Chaplain position, "there is ample evidence that the rancor that accompanied his selection has disappeared: Last week, lawmakers from both parties streamed onto the House floor to honor his decade of service."
Coughlin with his mother Louise Coughlin and Rahm Emanuel, Wrigley Field, 2003
Delivering invocation at ceremony honoring Rosa Parks, with President George W. Bush and first lady Laura, 2005
Coughlin (at podium) delivering invocation at memorial service for former President Gerald Ford, 2006.
Coughlin arrives in Cleveland for funeral of Representative Stephanie Tubbs, 2008.
Chaplain of the United States House of Representatives
The chaplain of the United States House of Representatives is the officer of the United States House of Representatives responsible for beginning each day's proceedings with a prayer. The House cites the first half of Article 1, Section 2, Clause 5 in the United States Constitution as giving it the authority to elect a chaplain, "The House of Representatives shall choose their speaker and other officers".
Chaplain of the United States House of Representatives
House Speaker John Boehner and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi present a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol to Fr. Daniel Coughlin, in recognition of his 11 years of service as the 59th chaplain of the House of Representatives, April 2011
House Chaplain James Shera Montgomery and Speaker William Bankhead welcome Navy Chief of Chaplains Edward A. Duff, the first Navy chaplain in 117 years (since 1820) to open a House session as guest chaplain, March 25, 1937
Stained glass window of George Washington in prayer, Capitol Prayer Room
