He became a member of the [[Continental Congress]] in 1779 and 1780, and served in the US House of Representatives from 1789 to 1797, during which time he was twice elected as Speaker.
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He became a member of the [[Continental Congress]] in 1779 and 1780, and served in the US House of Representatives from 1789 to 1797. During his time in the House he was twice elected as Speaker, being the nation's first as well as third Speaker of the House.