back bench

American  

noun

1. any of the rows of seats occupied by the backbenchers.

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Etymology

Origin of back bench

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

The new line-up has left a Lib Dem back bench comprising 39 MPs - more than twice the size of the party's representation in Parliament before July's general election, when they had 15 MPs.

From BBC

Other potential vice presidential picks including Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear have also gone on the offensive, something Buttigieg himself pointed out, rejoicing in how the number of new voices underlines the strength of the Democratic back bench.

From Los Angeles Times

“Members get elected up here and they get stuck on the back bench and they have to listen and don’t really get a chance to speak,” Mr. Hern said.

From Washington Times

"But I don't think he's going to just sit there throwing rocks from the back bench either."

From BBC

He has gone from being a powerful chairman of two committees to an outsider who sits — literally every day Congress is in session — on the very back bench of the House chamber.

From Washington Post