The 99th United States Congress
The 99th United States Congress served as the legislative body of the U.S. federal government from January 3, 1985, to January 3, 1987. Operating during the fifth and sixth years of President Ronald Reagan's administration, this Congress met in Washington, D.C., to navigate the political landscape of the mid-1980s.
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Legislative Structure and Composition
The Congress was composed of two primary chambers: the Senate and the House of Representatives. The distribution of seats in the House was determined by the apportionment process—the method of dividing the 435 seats among states—based on the results of the 1980 United States census.
The total membership included 100 senators, 435 representatives, and 5 non-voting delegates.
Political Leadership and Control
The 99th Congress was characterized by a split in party control, a situation often referred to as a divided government. The Republican Party maintained its majority in the Senate, while the Democratic Party retained control of the House of Representatives. However, both parties saw a slight reduction in their respective majorities compared to the previous 98th Congress.
- Senate President: George H. W. Bush (Republican)
- House Speaker: Tip O'Neill (Democrat)
Key Facts
- Duration: January 3, 1985 – January 3, 1987.
- Presidency: Occurred during Ronald Reagan's second term.
- Senate Majority: Republican.
- House Majority: Democratic.
- Unique Representation: Featured a third-party member in the House of Representatives.
- Historical Milestone: The final Congress to include Charles Mathias, a Republican senator from Maryland, before his retirement.
Session Timeline and Summary
The legislative work of the 99th Congress was divided into two distinct sessions. The first session ran from January 3, 1985, to December 20, 1985, and the second session spanned from January 21, 1986, to October 18, 1986.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Timeframe | January 3, 1985 – January 3, 1987 |
| Senate Control | Republican |
| House Control | Democratic |
| Total Members | 540 (100 Senators, 435 Reps, 5 Delegates) |
| Census Basis | 1980 United States Census |
Gender and Party Demographics
The 99th Congress holds a specific place in demographic history. It was the most recent Congress in which no Democratic women served as Senators. Additionally, it was the last instance where the number of Republican women Senators exceeded the number of Democratic women Senators.
From a structural standpoint, this was the last Congress to feature a Republican-led Senate and Democratic-led House split—alongside a third-party House member—until the 116th Congress.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the 99th United States Congress meet?
The 99th Congress met from January 3, 1985, to January 3, 1987.
Who were the leaders of the Senate and House during this term?
The Senate President was George H. W. Bush (Republican), and the House Speaker was Tip O'Neill (Democrat).
Which census determined the House seat apportionment?
The apportionment of seats in the House of Representatives was based on the 1980 United States census.
What was unique about the gender representation in the Senate?
This was the most recent Congress where no Democratic women served in the Senate and where Republican women Senators outnumbered Democratic women Senators.
Who was the last Republican senator from Maryland to serve?
Charles Mathias was the Republican senator from Maryland who retired at the end of the 99th Congress, making this the most recent Congress to feature such representation.