As Majority Whip (1971-1972) O'Neill was at the core of the Democratic Party in the House of Representatives. A strong party loyalist and a knowledgeable parliamentarian, he was well suited for the responsibilities of assisting Speaker Carl Albert and Majority Leader Hal Boggs. O'Neill's mission as Whip was to muster enough support among his Democratic colleagues to ensure victories for the Party's legislative programs and policies. These records document his backing of efforts to revise the Rules Committee's power, of which he was a member, in order to make it more responsive to the Party Leadership. In addition, background information on the office itself and Whip Notices provide a longer historical perspective than O'Neill's term as Whip.