WASHINGTON — And on the second day of Republican rule, the House reads the Constitution.

Those wondering whether the reading will be dramatic won't know until about 11 a.m. today, when volunteers will give voice to the seven articles and 27 amendments that make up the nation's governing document.

Republicans have made strict adherence to the Constitution a key tenet of their effort to reduce the size of the federal government.

Also today, the House is to take up its first spending cut measure, a proposed 5 percent trim in the budgets of leadership, rank-and-file member and committee offices.

Republicans estimate this will save $35 million over the next nine months.