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105th Congress (1997–1999)
The 105th Congress ran from January 3, 1997 to January 3, 1999. Republicans held the House (226–207 after the election) and the Senate (55–45). Speaker: Newt Gingrich. 404 laws enacted.
Sources: House and Senate historians; Congress.gov
Quick Answer
- Term
- January 3, 1997 – January 3, 1999
- Sessions
- 1st session 1997 · 2nd session 1998
- House majority
- Republicans 226–207 (initial results)
- Senate majority
- Republicans 55–45
- Speaker
- Newt Gingrich
- Laws enacted
- 404
The House
DEMOCRATS
207
After the election
REPUBLICANS
226
After the election
INDEPENDENT
2
After the election
NON-VOTING
5
4 Delegates + Resident Commissioner
Republicans won a 19-seat edge in the 435-seat House. These are the House historian’s figures from the initial election results; deaths, resignations, special elections and party switches during the Congress are not reflected. The non-voting seats are explained on non-voting members of Congress.
The Senate
MAJORITY
55
Republicans
MINORITY
45
Democrats
The Senate historian records Republicans as the majority.
Speaker of the House
- Newt GingrichGA · elected Speaker January 7, 1997
Laws enacted and days in session
LAWS ENACTED
404
Public and private laws
ENACTMENT RATE
5.2%
Laws ÷ bills and joint resolutions introduced
DAYS IN SESSION
316
Either chamber
Law counts are from Congress.gov; see how many laws Congress passes for every Congress compared. Days in session count days either chamber sat, from the daily Congressional Record — days in session by year.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the 105th Congress?
The 105th Congress ran from January 3, 1997 to January 3, 1999, with its first session in 1997 and its second in 1998.
Who controlled the 105th Congress?
Republicans held the House (226–207 after the election) and Republicans held the Senate (55–45, as the Senate historian records it).
Who was Speaker of the House in the 105th Congress?
Newt Gingrich (GA), elected January 7, 1997.
How many laws did the 105th Congress pass?
404, counting public and private laws, per Congress.gov. That is 5.2% of the bills and joint resolutions introduced.
Sources: House party divisions, Senate party division, Speakers of the House; laws from Congress.gov.
Related Resources
How Many Laws Has Congress Passed?
Every law this Congress has enacted, the share of bills that make it, and the count for every Congress back to 1951.
How Many Days Does Congress Work?
Session days for every year since 1995 and every Congress — and whether Congress really works less than it used to.
Party Breakdown of Congress
Current Senate and House seats by party — majority margins, Independents, and vacancies, from live data.
When Is Congress in Session?
The House and Senate schedules for the year — session weeks, recesses, and when each chamber is next back.