The 96th Congress of the United States convened from January 3, 1979, to January 3, 1981. It consisted of the House of Representatives and the Senate, with a total of 535 voting members. The Congress was notable for its focus on issues such as energy policy, economic challenges, and civil rights legislation. During this period, the Democratic Party held a majority in both chambers. Key legislation included the Department of Energy Organization Act and the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act. The Congress also dealt with the aftermath of the Watergate scandal and its impact on public trust in government.