The Eighty-First Congress of the United States convened from January 3, 1949, to August 2, 1950. It was a significant period marked by the post-World War II recovery and the beginning of the Cold War. This Congress included both the House of Representatives and the Senate, with major legislation focusing on economic issues, civil rights, and foreign policy. During this session, key legislation was passed, including the Housing Act of 1949, which aimed to improve housing conditions, and the Defense Production Act, which facilitated the production of materials for national defense. The Congress also addressed issues related to the emerging tensions with the Soviet Union.