U.S. Congress (110th)
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| U.S. Congress (110th) | |
|---|---|
| Name | 110th United States Congress |
| Caption | United States Capitol, seat of the United States Senate and United States House of Representatives |
| Body | United States Congress |
| Meeting place | United States Capitol |
| Election | 2006 United States elections |
| Term | January 3, 2007 – January 3, 2009 |
| Before | 109th United States Congress |
| After | 111th United States Congress |
U.S. Congress (110th) The 110th United States Congress convened from January 3, 2007, to January 3, 2009, following the 2006 United States House of Representatives elections and 2006 United States Senate elections. It comprised the United States Senate and the United States House of Representatives during the second term of President George W. Bush and addressed major issues including the Iraq War, the 2007–2008 financial crisis, and energy and healthcare disputes. The 110th featured Democratic control of both chambers with a narrow majority in the Senate and a larger majority in the House, shaping legislative agendas on No Child Left Behind Act reauthorization debates, Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 negotiations, and oversight of Department of Defense operations.
Composition and Membership
The 110th Congress consisted of 100 members of the United States Senate and 435 voting members of the United States House of Representatives, plus non-voting delegates from the District of Columbia and territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Northern Mariana Islands. The Senate majority was held by Democrats following victories by figures like Harry Reid and senators elected in the 2006 United States Senate elections, with notable members including Ted Kennedy, John McCain, Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton (no longer in the Senate by this Congress), Joseph Biden (served earlier), and rising legislators such as Kyrsten Sinema (not yet elected). The House Democratic caucus included veterans like Nancy Pelosi, Steny Hoyer, James Clyburn, and freshmen from the 2006 Democratic wave such as Gabrielle Giffords and Timothy Walz.
Leadership and Party Control
Leadership in the Senate was led by Majority Leader Harry Reid and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, with President of the Senate duties performed by Vice President Dick Cheney. The House was led by Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, and Minority Leader John Boehner. Committee chairs shifted as control moved to Democrats, with prominent chairs including Daniel Inouye in the Senate and John Dingell in the House. Party control influenced negotiations with the Bush administration, interactions with cabinet officials like Henry Paulson and Robert Gates, and responses to actions by agencies such as the Federal Reserve under Ben Bernanke.
Major Legislation and Key Issues
The 110th enacted significant measures, including the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, aimed at improving fuel efficiency standards and promoting renewable energy, and the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act-related debates impacting campaign finance. It confronted authorization and funding for Operation Iraqi Freedom and amendments tied to troop levels, veterans' benefits debates involving the Department of Veterans Affairs, and supplemental appropriations for military operations. The Congress passed the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 and addressed regulatory reform concerns preceding the 2007–2008 financial crisis, engaging with proposals related to the Securities and Exchange Commission and mortgage issues connected to institutions like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Healthcare discussions involved stakeholders such as American Medical Association and proposals influenced by advocacy from groups like AARP.
Congressional Sessions and Timeline
The 110th held two regular sessions: the first session in 2007 and the second in 2008, with pro forma sessions and recesses punctuated by votes on emergency measures. Key calendar milestones included the convening of the 110th on January 3, 2007; passage of the Energy bill in December 2007; and intensive late-2008 activity addressing the emerging financial crisis, culminating in votes on emergency responses in autumn 2008. The timeline intersected with national events such as the 2008 United States presidential election cycle, primary campaigns involving figures like Barack Obama and John McCain, and the escalating crisis at Lehman Brothers.
Committees and Congressional Operations
Committee control shifted to Democrats, with Senate committees such as Senate Committee on Armed Services, Senate Committee on Finance, and Senate Judiciary Committee overseeing confirmations, authorizations, and investigations. House committees including the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, House Committee on Financial Services, and House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform played central roles in hearings involving cabinet members like Michael Mukasey and agency leaders such as Henry Waxman (chair of Oversight). Investigations and oversight included probes into contracting practices involving companies like Halliburton and inquiries into intelligence matters associated with Central Intelligence Agency briefings.
Elections and Membership Changes
Membership evolved through special elections, appointments, resignations, and deaths. Notable special elections included contests to fill seats vacated by members joining state administrations or departing for private sector roles, and Senate vacancies filled through gubernatorial appointments under state laws in places such as New York and Massachusetts. The 110th also reflected the aftermath of the 2006 United States elections and set the stage for the 2008 United States elections, which would substantially alter the composition of the 111th Congress.
Significant Events and Controversies
The 110th oversaw contentious oversight of the Iraq War and intelligence assessments, sparking disputes with the Bush administration and testimony from figures like Gen. David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker. Controversies included debates over warrantless surveillance tied to the National Security Agency, accusations concerning earmarks and ethics involving members of Congress, and partisan fights over judicial nominations including those advanced by President George W. Bush. High-profile hearings, media coverage by outlets such as The New York Times and The Washington Post, and public protests influenced legislative priorities and public perceptions during this period.