The 697th Congress refers to the legislative body of the United States that convened from January 3, 1981, to January 3, 1983. It consisted of two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate. During this period, significant legislation was passed, including economic policies and budget reforms. This Congress was notable for the political landscape, as it was the first Congress under the presidency of Ronald Reagan. The Republican Party gained control of both chambers, which influenced the direction of national policies, particularly in areas like taxation and government spending.