96th Congress (1979 - 1981)

House of Representatives

House Majority: Democrat

House Majority Seats: 278 out of 435

House Speaker: Rep. Thomas P. 'Tip' O'Neill (D-MA)

Senate

Senate Majority: Democrat

Senate Majority Seats: 59 out of 100

Senate Majority Leader: Robert C. Byrd (D-WV)

Executive

President: Jimmy Carter (D-GA)

Vice President: Walter Mondale (D-MN)

Member Spotlight

Featured: Sen. Bob Dole (R-KS) was a veteran legislator and one of the most prominent Republican leaders of the late 20th century. Born in 1923, he served in the U.S. Senate from 1969 to 1996, rising to Majority Leader and playing a central role in shaping domestic and foreign policy. A decorated World War II veteran, Dole was known for his sharp intellect, pragmatism, and ability to work across party lines on key issues such as agriculture, veterans’ affairs, and budgetary policy. He also gained national prominence as the Republican nominee for president in 1996, cementing his legacy as a dedicated public servant and influential figure in American politics.

Enactments

• Taiwan Relations Act
• Veterans Health Care Amendments of 1979
• Special International Security Assistance Act of 1979
• Trade Agreements Act of 1979
• Panama Canal Act of 1979
• Department of Education Organization Act
• Second Continuing Appropriations Act of 1979
• Chrysler Corporation Loan Guarantee Act
• Refugee Act of 1980
• Depository Institutions Deregulation and Monetary Control Act of 1980
• Crude Oil Windfall Profit Tax Act of 1980
• Social Security Disability Amendments of 1979
• Draft Registration Act
• Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act
• Energy Security Act
• Motor Carrier Act of 1980
• Soft Drink Interbrand Competition Act
• Privacy Protection Act of 1980
• Staggers Rail Act of 1980
• Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1981
• Judicial Conduct and Disability Act of 1980
• Foreign Service Act of 1980
• Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act
• Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act
• Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980
• Bayh-Dole Act (Patent Rights in Inventions Made with Federal Assistance)
• The Agriculture Appropriations Act of 1980
• Second Continuing Appropriations Act of 1980
• The Tonnage Measurement Simplification Act