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112th Congress (2011–2013)

The 112th Congress ran from January 3, 2011 to January 3, 2013. Republicans held the House (242–193 after the election) and Democrats the Senate (51–47). Speaker: John Boehner. 284 laws enacted.

Sources: House and Senate historians; Congress.gov

Quick Answer

Term
January 3, 2011 – January 3, 2013
Sessions
1st session 2011 · 2nd session 2012
House majority
Republicans 242–193 (initial results)
Senate majority
Democrats 51–47 · 1 Independent; 1 Independent Democrat (both caucused with the Democrats)
Speaker
John Boehner
Laws enacted
284

The House

DEMOCRATS

193

After the election

REPUBLICANS

242

After the election

NON-VOTING

6

5 Delegates + Resident Commissioner

Republicans won a 49-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

Democrats

MINORITY

47

Republicans

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

Control was divided: Republicans held the House and Democrats the Senate.

Speaker of the House

  • John Boehner
    OH · elected Speaker January 5, 2011

Laws enacted and days in session

LAWS ENACTED

284

Public and private laws

ENACTMENT RATE

2.7%

Laws ÷ bills and joint resolutions introduced

DAYS IN SESSION

374

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 112th Congress?

The 112th Congress ran from January 3, 2011 to January 3, 2013, with its first session in 2011 and its second in 2012.

Who controlled the 112th Congress?

Republicans held the House (242–193 after the election) and Democrats held the Senate (51–47, as the Senate historian records it).

Who was Speaker of the House in the 112th Congress?

John Boehner (OH), elected January 5, 2011.

How many laws did the 112th Congress pass?

284, counting public and private laws, per Congress.gov. That is 2.7% 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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