76th Congress (1939 - 1941)

House of Representatives

House Majority: Democrat

House Majority Seats: 262 out of 435

House Speaker: Rep. William D. Bankhead (D-AL) / Rep. Sam Rayburn (D-TX)

Senate

Senate Majority: Democrat

Senate Majority Seats: 78 out of 96

Senate Majority Leader: Sen. Alben Barkley (D-KY)

Executive

President: Franklin Delano Roosevelt (D-NY)

Vice President: John Nance Garner (D-TX)

portrait

Member Spotlight

Featured: Rep. Sam Rayburn (D-TX) was one of the most respected and effective leaders in the history of the U.S. House of Representatives. Born in 1882, he served Texas in Congress from 1913 to 1961 and held the speakership for 17 years, longer than anyone in history. Known for his integrity, work ethic, and mastery of legislative strategy, Rayburn famously said: “Any jackass can kick down a barn, but it takes a carpenter to build one,” reflecting his belief in constructive leadership and diligent governance. His steady hand guided the House through decades of political change, leaving a legacy of bipartisanship, pragmatism, and institutional strength.

Enactments