He helped shape many bills , working quietly in the background with House committees .
Rayburn was the longest - serving Speaker in history , holding office from 1940 to 1947 , 1949 to 1953 , and 1955 to 1961 .
Rayburn helped shape many bills , working quietly in the background with House committees .
Rayburn was the longest - serving Speaker in history , holding office from 1940 to 1947 , 1949 to 1953 , and 1955 to 1961 .