The Eighty-Fifth Congress of the United States convened from January 3, 1957, to January 3, 1959. It was a significant period marked by the Republican Party's control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate. This Congress is known for addressing issues related to the Cold War, civil rights, and economic policies. During this session, notable legislation included the National Defense Education Act and the Civil Rights Act of 1957, which aimed to improve education and protect voting rights, respectively. The Congress also dealt with foreign policy challenges, particularly concerning Soviet Union relations and the ongoing conflict in Vietnam.