The 96th United States Congress convened from January 3, 1979, to January 3, 1981. It consisted of the Senate and the House of Representatives, with a total of 535 voting members. The Congress was notable for addressing significant issues such as the energy crisis, inflation, and foreign policy challenges. During this session, the Democratic Party held a majority in both chambers. Key legislation included the Department of Education Organization Act and the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act. The Congress also dealt with the aftermath of the Iran Hostage Crisis, which influenced U.S. foreign relations and domestic policy discussions.