A member of Congress is typically sworn in by the Speaker of the House (for Representatives) or the presiding officer of the Senate (for Senators). The Speaker administers the oath to House members, and the presiding officer administers it to the Senate members during an open session. In certain cases, such as illness or special circumstances, a member-elect may be sworn in at another location by the Speaker’s designee, or in rare cases by a federal judge. For example, a U.S. federal district or circuit court judge can administer the oath if necessary. The Constitution requires members of Congress to take an oath or affirmation to support the Constitution, but it does not specify who must administer it, leaving it generally to the Speaker for the House and the presiding officer for the Senate.