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108th Congress (2003–2005)

The 108th Congress ran from January 3, 2003 to January 3, 2005. Republicans held the House (229–205 after the election) and the Senate (51–48). Speaker: Dennis Hastert. 504 laws enacted.

Sources: House and Senate historians; Congress.gov

Quick Answer

Term
January 3, 2003 – January 3, 2005
Sessions
1st session 2003 · 2nd session 2004
House majority
Republicans 229–205 (initial results)
Senate majority
Republicans 51–48 · Independent (1 seat) (caucused with the Democrats)
Speaker
Dennis Hastert
Laws enacted
504

The House

DEMOCRATS

205

After the election

REPUBLICANS

229

After the election

INDEPENDENT

1

After the election

NON-VOTING

5

4 Delegates + Resident Commissioner

Republicans won a 24-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

51

Republicans

MINORITY

48

Democrats

The Senate historian records Republicans as the majority. Also seated: Independent (1 seat) (caucused with the Democrats).

Speaker of the House

  • Dennis Hastert
    IL · elected Speaker January 7, 2003

Laws enacted and days in session

LAWS ENACTED

504

Public and private laws

ENACTMENT RATE

5.8%

Laws ÷ bills and joint resolutions introduced

DAYS IN SESSION

317

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 108th Congress?

The 108th Congress ran from January 3, 2003 to January 3, 2005, with its first session in 2003 and its second in 2004.

Who controlled the 108th Congress?

Republicans held the House (229–205 after the election) and Republicans held the Senate (51–48, as the Senate historian records it).

Who was Speaker of the House in the 108th Congress?

Dennis Hastert (IL), elected January 7, 2003.

How many laws did the 108th Congress pass?

504, counting public and private laws, per Congress.gov. That is 5.8% of the bills and joint resolutions introduced.

Sources: House party divisions, Senate party division, Speakers of the House; laws from Congress.gov.

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