Understanding the 117th Congress
The 117th Congress was a period marked by significant legislative activity, critical decision-making, and the continuous effort to address various challenges facing the United States. Understanding the composition, achievements, and contentious issues of this Congress sheds light on its impact on American governance.
Composition and Leadership
The 117th Congress began its session on January 3, 2021, with Democrats controlling both the House of Representatives and the Senate, albeit with a slim majority. Here’s a breakdown:
- House of Representatives: 220 Democrats, 212 Republicans, 3 vacancies
- Senate: 50 Democrats, 50 Republicans, with Vice President Kamala Harris as the tie-breaking vote
This division led to pivotal leadership roles:
- Speaker of the House: Nancy Pelosi
- Majority Leader: Chuck Schumer
- Minority Leader: Mitch McConnell
🔍 Note: The close split in the Senate meant that every vote counted, often leading to intense negotiations and last-minute changes in proposed legislation.
Key Legislation and Policy Changes
The 117th Congress managed to pass several critical pieces of legislation, demonstrating the ability to work across the aisle:
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021
- Provided direct payments to most Americans to help combat the economic impact of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.
- Expanded the Child Tax Credit, leading to a significant reduction in child poverty.
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
- Aimed at modernizing America’s aging infrastructure, from roads and bridges to broadband internet access.
- Allocated funds for public transit, electric vehicle charging stations, and water systems.
Bipartisan Safer Communities Act
- Addressed gun control by enhancing background checks, supporting school safety, and funding mental health programs.
- Was a response to the tragic shootings in Buffalo and Uvalde.
The Inflation Reduction Act
- Offered initiatives to combat climate change, healthcare cost reduction, and tax reform to address income inequality.
💡 Note: These pieces of legislation illustrate the Congress's focus on recovery and societal improvement post the health crisis.
Challenges Faced by the 117th Congress
Despite successes, the Congress faced numerous hurdles:
Partisanship
- The narrow majority led to fierce debates over policy direction, leading to: - Filibuster reform discussions due to the 60-vote threshold for most legislation. - Changes in Senate procedures, like the “Nuclear Option,” to confirm judicial nominees.Impeachment Proceedings
- President Donald Trump faced his second impeachment, related to the January 6th Capitol riot. - Although impeached, the Senate did not convict with the necessary two-thirds vote.Election Reform
- Efforts to reform voting rights were met with significant opposition, with: - The For the People Act failing to pass the Senate due to a filibuster. - The Freedom to Vote Act also met with similar fate.Historical Events and Their Impact
Several key events during the 117th Congress significantly shaped its legacy:
January 6th Insurrection
- This attack on the Capitol led to: - Widespread security reviews. - Calls for accountability, including Trump’s impeachment.COVID-19 Response
- The Congress played a central role in managing the response, from: - Passing emergency funding for vaccine distribution. - Extending unemployment benefits and aid for small businesses.Foreign Affairs
- The withdrawal from Afghanistan was a critical event: - It sparked debates on foreign policy and national security. - Led to the creation of several committees to investigate the decision-making process.Impact on American Governance
The legacy of the 117th Congress is multifaceted:
- Democracy Resilience: Strengthened institutions and pushed for better security measures at the Capitol.
- Legislation: Passed bills that aimed at reshaping the economy, climate policy, and social issues.
- Public Perception: Public trust in government saw fluctuations, often swayed by legislative outcomes and media portrayal.
Looking Forward: Implications for Future Congresses
The 117th Congress has set several precedents:
- The need for bipartisan cooperation to pass significant legislation.
- Continued calls for filibuster reform to address legislative gridlock.
- The importance of addressing systemic issues like income inequality and racial injustice.
The lessons learned from this Congress will likely influence how future congressional sessions approach their duties, from policy-making to responding to national emergencies.
What was the major legislation passed by the 117th Congress?
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The 117th Congress passed several notable acts, including The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and The Inflation Reduction Act.
How did the close split in the Senate impact legislative efforts?
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The close 50-50 split meant that every vote was crucial. This led to intense negotiations, changes in Senate procedures, and a focus on bipartisan efforts to pass legislation.
What were the major challenges faced by the 117th Congress?
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Key challenges included partisanship, the January 6th insurrection, the response to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, and efforts towards election reform.
