78th Congress of the United States
The 78th Congress of the United States , composed of the House and Senate , was the legislature of the United States . Its legislative term lasted from January 3, 1943 to January 3, 1945. All members of the House of Representatives and a third of the Senators ( Class II ) were elected in the state of Maine in the congressional elections in November 1942 and September . This resulted in a majority in both chambers for the Democratic Party , which, along with Franklin D. Roosevelt, also provided the president. The Republican Party had to be content with the role of the opposition. In the course of the legislative period there were minor changes in personnel due to resignations and deaths, but these did not change the majority. The Congress met in the American capital Washington, DC The United States at that time consisted of 48 states. The distribution of seats in the House of Representatives was based on the 1940 census .
Important events
- The entire legislative period was overshadowed by the events of World War II .
- January 3, 1943: beginning of the legislative period of the 78th Congress
- June 6, 1944: With the invasion of Normandy by the Allied troops, the last phase of the Second World War began in Europe, but it continued until May 8, 1945.
- November 7, 1944: US presidential and congressional elections. Franklin Roosevelt is elected President for the fourth time. This is a unique record in American history. In the congressional elections, the Democrats defend their majority in both chambers.
The main laws
During the session of the 78th Congress, the following federal laws were passed ( see also: Legislative procedure ):
- December 17, 1943: Magnuson Act
- February 3, 1944: Mustering-out Payment Act
- June 6, 1944: GI Bill of Rights | Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944 ( GI Bill )
- June 27, 1944: Veterans' Preference Act
- July 1, 1944: Public Health Service Act
- December 22, 1944: Flood Control Act of 1944
Composition according to parties
senate
- Democratic Party: 58 (majority)
- Republican Party: 36
- Others: 1
- Vacant: 1
Total: 96
House of Representatives
- Democratic Party: 222 (majority)
- Republican Party: 209
- Others: 4
Total: 435
There were also four congressional delegates who were not entitled to vote
Public officials
senate
Leadership of the majority party
- Majority Leader: Alben W. Barkley (D)
- Majority swip: J. Lister Hill (D)
Leadership of the minority party
- Minority Leader: Charles L. McNary (R) through February 25, 1944, then Wallace H. White
- Minority whip: vacant between 1935 and 1945
House of Representatives
- House Speaker : Sam Rayburn (D)
Leadership of the majority party
- Majority Leader: John W. McCormack (D)
- Majority swip : Robert Ramspeck , (D)
Leadership of the minority party
- Minority Leader: Joseph William Martin (R)
- Minority whip: Harry Lane Englebright (R) until May 13, 1943 afterwards Leslie C. Arends
Senate members
The following senators represented their respective states in the 78th Congress:
Members of the House of Representatives
The following congressmen represented the interests of their respective states in the 78th Congress:
Members of the House of Representatives who are not entitled to vote:
-
Alaska Territory :
- Anthony Dimond (D)
- Hawaii Territory :
-
Philippines :
-
Joaquín Miguel Elizalde until August 9, 1944
- Carlos P. Rómulo from August 10, 1944
-
Joaquín Miguel Elizalde until August 9, 1944
- Puerto Rico :
Web links
- bioguide.congress.gov (by entering 78 under Year OR Congress: you get a list of the members of the 78th Congress with a link to the official biographies; English)