434th Congress
The 434th Congress of the United States convened from January 3, 1995, to January 3, 1997. It was notable for being the first Congress after the Republican Party gained control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate since 1954. This shift was largely influenced by the 1994 midterm elections, where the Republicans, led by Newt Gingrich, introduced the "Contract with America," outlining their legislative agenda.
During this Congress, significant legislation was passed, including the Welfare Reform Act and the Balanced Budget Act. The 434th Congress also faced challenges, such as budget disputes and government shutdowns, which highlighted the growing partisan divide in American politics.