Understanding the 110th United States Congress (2007-2009)

The 110th United States Congress served as the legislative branch of the U.S. federal government from January 3, 2007, to January 3, 2009. This period coincided with the final two years of President George W. Bush's second term in office, a time characterized by significant domestic and international challenges, including ongoing debates surrounding the Iraq War and the burgeoning economic downturn.

As a bicameral legislature, the 110th Congress was comprised of two distinct chambers: the Senate and the House of Representatives. The distribution of seats within the House of Representatives was meticulously determined by the population data gathered during the 2000 U.S. Census, a decennial constitutional requirement that ensures equitable representation across states based on demographic shifts.

A Significant Shift in Congressional Control

A defining characteristic of the 110th Congress was the decisive victory of the Democratic Party in the 2006 midterm elections. This outcome resulted in the Democrats securing a majority in both the House and the Senate, marking the first time they held full control of Congress since the 103rd Congress, which convened in 1993. The 2006 elections were widely interpreted as a public referendum on the Bush administration's policies, particularly its handling of the Iraq War and domestic affairs, leading to a substantial shift in the nation's political landscape.

While the official breakdown in the Senate showed 49 Democrats, 49 Republicans, and two independents, the Democratic Party effectively established an operational majority. This was achieved because both independent senators, Joe Lieberman of Connecticut and Bernie Sanders of Vermont, formally caucused with the Democrats. Caucusing with a party means aligning with them for organizational purposes, including committee assignments, legislative strategy, and voting, thereby bolstering the party's numbers for procedural votes and agenda setting. Notably, no Democratic-held seats were lost to the Republican Party during the 2006 elections, underscoring the strength of the Democratic gains.

Pioneering Leaders and Historic Diversity

The 110th Congress ushered in several groundbreaking milestones, reflecting a more diverse and inclusive legislative body:

• First Female Speaker of the House: Democrat Nancy Pelosi, representing California's 8th congressional district, made history by becoming the first woman ever to serve as Speaker of the House of Representatives. Her ascension to this powerful leadership position was a pivotal moment for gender equality in American politics, placing her third in the line of succession to the presidency at the time.
• Increased Religious Diversity: The House of Representatives welcomed its first members of non-Abrahamic faiths. Keith Ellison, a Democrat from Minnesota's 5th congressional district, became the first Muslim member of Congress. Simultaneously, Hank Johnson, a Democrat from Georgia's 4th congressional district, and Mazie Hirono, a Democrat who represented Hawaii's 2nd congressional district before later becoming a Senator, became the first Buddhist members of Congress. These additions signified a notable expansion of religious representation within the nation's legislative body.

Frequently Asked Questions about the 110th Congress

What were the exact dates of the 110th United States Congress?

The 110th Congress was in session from January 3, 2007, to January 3, 2009.

Which U.S. President was in office during the 110th Congress?

The 110th Congress served during the final two years of President George W. Bush's second term.

Which political party controlled the 110th Congress?

The Democratic Party gained full control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate, establishing a majority in both chambers.

Who became the Speaker of the House during the 110th Congress?

Nancy Pelosi of California made history as the first female Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Were there any notable firsts in terms of diversity in the 110th Congress?

Yes, the 110th Congress welcomed the first Muslim member, Keith Ellison, and the first two Buddhist members, Hank Johnson and Mazie Hirono, into the House of Representatives.