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116th Congress (2019–2021)
The 116th Congress ran from January 3, 2019 to January 3, 2021. Democrats held the House (235–199 after the election) and Republicans the Senate (53–45). Speaker: Nancy Pelosi. 344 laws enacted.
Sources: House and Senate historians; Congress.gov
Quick Answer
- Term
- January 3, 2019 – January 3, 2021
- Sessions
- 1st session 2019 · 2nd session 2020
- House majority
- Democrats 235–199 (initial results)
- Senate majority
- Republicans 53–45 · 2 Independents (both caucus with the Democrats)
- Speaker
- Nancy Pelosi
- Laws enacted
- 344
The House
DEMOCRATS
235
After the election
REPUBLICANS
199
After the election
NON-VOTING
6
5 Delegates + Resident Commissioner
Democrats won a 36-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
53
Republicans
MINORITY
45
Democrats
The Senate historian records Republicans as the majority. Also seated: 2 Independents (both caucus with the Democrats).
Control was divided: Democrats held the House and Republicans the Senate.
Speaker of the House
- Nancy PelosiCA · elected Speaker January 3, 2019
Laws enacted and days in session
LAWS ENACTED
344
Public and private laws
ENACTMENT RATE
2.4%
Laws ÷ bills and joint resolutions introduced
DAYS IN SESSION
434
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 116th Congress?
The 116th Congress ran from January 3, 2019 to January 3, 2021, with its first session in 2019 and its second in 2020.
Who controlled the 116th Congress?
Democrats held the House (235–199 after the election) and Republicans held the Senate (53–45, as the Senate historian records it).
Who was Speaker of the House in the 116th Congress?
Nancy Pelosi (CA), elected January 3, 2019.
How many laws did the 116th Congress pass?
344, counting public and private laws, per Congress.gov. That is 2.4% 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.