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97th Congress (1981–1983)
The 97th Congress ran from January 3, 1981 to January 3, 1983. Democrats held the House (243–192 after the election) and Republicans the Senate (53–46). Speaker: Tip O'Neill. 529 laws enacted.
Sources: House and Senate historians; Congress.gov
Quick Answer
- Term
- January 3, 1981 – January 3, 1983
- Sessions
- 1st session 1981 · 2nd session 1982
- House majority
- Democrats 243–192 (initial results)
- Senate majority
- Republicans 53–46 · 1 Independent (caucused with the Democrats)
- Speaker
- Tip O'Neill
- Laws enacted
- 529
The House
DEMOCRATS
243
After the election
REPUBLICANS
192
After the election
NON-VOTING
5
4 Delegates + Resident Commissioner
Democrats won a 51-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
46
Democrats
The Senate historian records Republicans as the majority. Also seated: 1 Independent (caucused with the Democrats).
Control was divided: Democrats held the House and Republicans the Senate.
Speaker of the House
- Tip O'NeillMA · elected Speaker January 5, 1981
Laws enacted and days in session
LAWS ENACTED
529
Public and private laws
ENACTMENT RATE
4.6%
Laws ÷ bills and joint resolutions introduced
DAYS IN SESSION
—
Record starts with the 104th (1995)
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 97th Congress?
The 97th Congress ran from January 3, 1981 to January 3, 1983, with its first session in 1981 and its second in 1982.
Who controlled the 97th Congress?
Democrats held the House (243–192 after the election) and Republicans held the Senate (53–46, as the Senate historian records it).
Who was Speaker of the House in the 97th Congress?
Tip O'Neill (MA), elected January 5, 1981.
How many laws did the 97th Congress pass?
529, counting public and private laws, per Congress.gov. That is 4.6% 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.