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109th Congress (2005–2007)

The 109th Congress ran from January 3, 2005 to January 3, 2007. Republicans held the House (232–202 after the election) and the Senate (55–44). Speaker: Dennis Hastert. 483 laws enacted.

Sources: House and Senate historians; Congress.gov

Quick Answer

Term
January 3, 2005 – January 3, 2007
Sessions
1st session 2005 · 2nd session 2006
House majority
Republicans 232–202 (initial results)
Senate majority
Republicans 55–44 · 1 Independent (caucused with the Democrats)
Speaker
Dennis Hastert
Laws enacted
483

The House

DEMOCRATS

202

After the election

REPUBLICANS

232

After the election

INDEPENDENT

1

After the election

NON-VOTING

5

4 Delegates + Resident Commissioner

Republicans won a 30-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

44

Democrats

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

Speaker of the House

  • Dennis Hastert
    IL · elected Speaker January 4, 2005

Laws enacted and days in session

LAWS ENACTED

483

Public and private laws

ENACTMENT RATE

4.5%

Laws ÷ bills and joint resolutions introduced

DAYS IN SESSION

305

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 109th Congress?

The 109th Congress ran from January 3, 2005 to January 3, 2007, with its first session in 2005 and its second in 2006.

Who controlled the 109th Congress?

Republicans held the House (232–202 after the election) and Republicans held the Senate (55–44, as the Senate historian records it).

Who was Speaker of the House in the 109th Congress?

Dennis Hastert (IL), elected January 4, 2005.

How many laws did the 109th Congress pass?

483, counting public and private laws, per Congress.gov. That is 4.5% 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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