The Thirty-Eighth Congress of the United States convened from March 4, 1863, to March 3, 1865, during the American Civil War. It was a significant period marked by debates over issues such as slavery, civil rights, and the war's progress. The Congress was composed of the House of Representatives and the Senate, with members working to pass legislation that would shape the nation’s future. During this Congress, important laws were enacted, including the Homestead Act and the Pacific Railway Act, which aimed to promote westward expansion and infrastructure development. The Congress also faced challenges, including internal divisions and the need to address the rights of newly freed African Americans, setting the stage for future legislative battles.