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1st Congress (MAR 4, 1789 - MAR 3, 1791): ADMINISTRATION OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
1st 1 Stat. 24-27 Tariff Act of 1789 Jul 4, 1789 Establish procedures to raise money to pay Government wages and obligations and to fund Federal debt
1st 1 Stat. 28-29 Department of Foreign Affairs Jul 27, 1789 Establish Department of Foreign Affairs
1st 1 Stat. 49-50 Department of War August 7, 1789 Establish Department of War
1st 1 Stat. 65-67 Department of Treasury Sep 2, 1789 Establish Treasury Department
1st 1 Stat. 68-69 Department of State Sep 15, 1789 Change name of Department of Foreign Affairs to Department of State
1st 1 Stat. 70 Office of Postmaster General Sep 22, 1789 Provide for the temporary appointment of a Postmaster General
1st 1 Stat. 73-93 Judiciary Act of 1789 Sep 24, 1789 Establish the Federal Courts system
1st 1 Stat. 101-103 First Census Mar 1, 1790 Provide for apportionment of Representatives and establish decennial census
1st 1 Stat. 103-104 Uniform Rule of Naturalization Mar 26, 1790 Establish a uniform rule for naturalization of free white persons
1st 1 Stat. 109-112 First Patent Law Apr 10, 1790 Establish a 3-man board with power to grant patents
1st 1 Stat. 124-126 First Copyright Law May 31, 1790 Provide copyright protection for plays, maps, and books
1st 1 Stat. 130 Permanent Seat of Government Jul 16, 1790 Provide for establishment of the Capital
1st 1 Stat. 138-144 Funding and Assumption Act of 1790 Aug 4, 1790 Provide for Federal government assumption of debts incurred by the States as a result of their participation in the Revolutionary War
1st 1 Stat. 191-196 First Bank of the U.S. Feb 25, 1791 Incorporate the Bank of the U.S.
1st 1 Stat. 199-214 First Internal Revenue Law Mar 3, 1791 Create revenue districts and imposed a tax on distilled liquors

2nd Congress (OCT 24, 1791 - MAR 2, 1793): ADMINISTRATION OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
2nd 1 Stat. 239-241 Presidential Succession Act Mar 1, 1792 Provide for succession in case the President and Vice President are both removed, resign, or die
2nd 1 Stat. 246-251 First Mint Apr 2, 1792 Authorize establishment of the first U.S. Mint
2nd 1 Stat. 271-274 Militia Act May 8, 1792 Require "each and every free able-bodied white male citizen of the Republic between the ages of 18 and 45 to serve in a State militia".
2nd 1 Stat. 302-305 Fugitive Slave Act of 1793 Feb 12, 1793 Empower owners of fugitive slaves, or their agents, to seize fugitive slaves and return them to servitude

3rd Congress (DEC 2, 1793 - MAR 3, 1795): ADMINISTRATION OF GEORGE WASHINGTON  

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
3rd 1 Stat. 350-351 Formation of U.S. Navy Mar 27, 1794 Authorize the construction and manning of frigates and establish procedures for pay of Navy personnel
3rd 1 Stat 381-384 Neutrality Act Jun 5, 1794 Prohibit U.S. citizens from enlisting in the services of any foreign power and prohibit the fitting out of foreign vessels in U.S. ports
3rd 1 Stat. 414-415 Naturalization Act Jan 29, 1795 Establish procedures for resident aliens to become U.S. citizens

4th Congress (DEC 7, 1795 - MAR 3, 1797): ADMINISTRATION OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
4th 1 Stat. 464-469 Land Act of 1796 May 18, 1796 Provide for surveys of public lands within the Northwest Territory and establish procedures for auction of public lands
4th 1 Stat. 469-474 An Act to Regulate Trade and Intercourse with the Indian Tribes May 19, 1796 Establish a boundary line between the U.S. and various Indian tribes, beyond which only Indians had the right to hunt, trap, and fish
4th Stat. 477-478 An Act for the Relief and Protection of American Seamen May 28, 1796 Authorize investigation of impressment and detention of U.S. seamen into the naval service of foreign governments

5th Congress (MAY 15, 1797 - MAR 3, 1799): ADMINISTRATION OF JOHN ADAMS 

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
5th 1 Stat. 552 Naval Armament for the Protection of American Commerce Apr 27, 1798 Authorize the acquisition of naval vessels
5th 1 Stat. 553-554 Department of the Navy Apr 30, 1798 Establish the Department of Navy
5th 1 Stat. 566-569 Naturalization Act (First of the Alien and Sedition Acts) Jun 18, 1798 Revise procedures for resident aliens to become U.S. citizens
5th 1 Stat. 570-572 Alien Act (Second of the Alien and Sedition Acts) Jun 25, 1798 Provide the President with authority to deport aliens adjudged to be undesirable and require the licensing of certain other aliens
5th 1 Stat. 577-578 Alien Enemies Act (Third of the Alien and Sedition Acts) Jul 6, 1798 Authorize the President to apprehend, detain, and deport resident aliens who are subjects of a foreign power at war with the U.S.
5th 1 Stat. 594-596 Marine Corps Act Jul 11, 1798 Organize the Marine Corps into a distinct Service of the U.S. Government
5th 1 Stat. 596-597 Sedition Act (Fourth of the Alien and Sedition Acts) Jul 14, 1798 Provide for the arrest and imprisonment of any person who attempts to impede lawful processes of government, foment insurrection or write, publish or utter false or malicious statements about the President, Vice President, Congress or Government of the U.S.

6th Congress (DEC 2, 1799 - MAR 3, 1801): ADMINISTRATION OF JOHN ADAMS 

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
6th 2 Stat. 19-36 First Federal Bankruptcy Law Apr 4, 1800 Establish a uniform system of bankruptcy
6th 2 Stat. 55-56 Removal of Government to Washington Apr 24, 1800 Provide for the removal of the U.S. Government to Washington, D.C.
6th 2 Stat. 58-60 Indiana and Ohio Territories May 7, 1800 Divide the Northwest Territory into the Indiana and Ohio Territories
6th 2 Stat. 89-100 Judiciary Act of 1801 Feb 13, 1801 Revise the Federal Court System

7th Congress (Dec 7, 1801 - Mar 3, 1803): Administration of Thomas Jefferson  

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
7th 2 Stat. 137 U.S. Military Academy Mar 16, 1802 Authorize the establishment of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y.
7th 2 Stat. 156-167 Repeal of the Judiciary Act of 1801 Apr 29, 1802 Revise the Federal Court System
7th 2 Stat. 173-175 First Enabling Act Apr 30, 1802 Establish procedures for the Ohio Territory to become a State

8th Congress (Oct 17, 1803 - Mar 3, 1805): Administration of Thomas Jefferson 

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
8th 2 Stat. 274 Second National Bank Act Mar 23, 1804 Authorize U.S. Bank officials to establish offices in any part of the territories or dependencies of the U.S.

9th Congress (Dec 2, 1805 - Mar 3, 1807): Administration of Thomas Jefferson  

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
9th 2 Stat. 357-359 Cumberland Road Act Mar 29, 1806 Authorize the construction of a national road between Cumberland, Md., and Wheeling, W.Va.
9th 2 Stat. 379-381 Non-Importation Act Apr 18, 1806 Prohibit the importation of certain British goods
9th 2 Stat. 421 Judiciary Act of 1807 Feb 24, 1807 Increase the number of Supreme Court Justices from six to seven
9th 2 Stat. 426-430 Slave Trade Prohibition Act Mar 2, 1807 Prohibit the importation of slaves into U.S. after Jan 1, 1808.

10th Congress (Oct 26, 1807 - Mar 3, 1809): Administration of Thomas Jefferson  

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
10th 2 Stat. 451-453 Embargo Act of 1807 Dec 22, 1807 Embargo all ships and vessels in U.S. ports and harbors to prevent them from engaging in commercial activities with foreign countries
10th 2 Stat. 528-533 Non-Intercourse Act Mar 1, 1809 Repeal the Embargo Act of 1807 and reopen trade with all nations except Great Britain and France

11TH CONGRESS  (MAY 22, 1809 - MAR 3, 1811): ADMINISTRATION OF JAMES MADISON

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
11th 2 Stat. 605-606 Macon's Bill Number 2 May 1, 1810 Authorize the restoration of trade with Britain and France on the condition that they recognize American neutrality
11th 3 Stat. 471-472 Extension of U.S. Rule Over West Florida Jan 15, 1811 Authorize the President to occupy certain territories in West Florida

12TH CONGRESS  (NOV 4, 1811 - MAR 3, 1813): ADMINISTRATION OF JAMES MADISON

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
12th 2 Stat. 755 Declaration of War Against Great Britain and Ireland Jun 18, 1812 Declare war against Great Britain and Ireland and authorize the President to use land and naval forces to carry out the war
12th 2 Stat. 708-709 Act to Enlarge the Limits of the State of Louisiana Apr 14, 1812 Annex certain West Florida lands to Louisiana
12th 2 Stat. 734 Act to Enlarge the Boundaries of the Mississippi Territory May 14, 1812 Annex certain West Florida lands to Mississippi

13TH CONGRESS  (MAY 24, 1813 - MAR 3, 1815): ADMINISTRATION OF JAMES MADISON

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
13th 3 Stat. 195 Purchase of the Library of Thomas Jefferson Jan 30, 1815 Authorize the purchase of the library of Thomas Jefferson for use by Congress
13th 3 Stat. 217-218 Reduction of Naval Establishment Feb 27, 1815 Provide for the sale of certain naval vessels
13th 3 Stat. 224-225 Fixing the Peacetime Military Establishment Mar 3, 1815 Establish a peacetime standing army
13th 3 Stat. 230 Declaration of War Against Algiers Mar 3, 1815 Declare war against Algiers in response to actions against U.S. ships and demands for payment of tribute

14TH CONGRESS  (DEC 4, 1815 - MAR 3, 1817): ADMINISTRATION OF JAMES MADISON

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
14th 3 Stat. 266-277 Second National Bank of the U.S. Apr 10, 1816 Establish and capitalize the Second National Bank of the U.S.
14th 3 Stat. 310-314 First Protective Tariff Apr 27, 1816 Establish heavy duties on certain foreign imports

15TH CONGRESS  (DEC 1, 1817 - MAR 3, 1819): ADMINISTRATION OF JAMES MONROE

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
15th 3 Stat. 415 Flag of the U.S. Apr 4, 1818 Establish the Stars and Stripes as the permanent design of the U.S. flag
15th 3 Stat. 488-489 First Immigration Law Mar 2, 1819 Establish rules and procedures for passenger ships bringing immigrants to the U.S., including establishment of a numerical registry of immigration

16TH CONGRESS  (DEC 6, 1819 - MAR 3, 1821): ADMINISTRATION OF JAMES MONROE

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
16th 3 Stat. 544 Missouri Compromise Mar 3, 1819 Authorize the admission of Maine to the Union as a free State
16th 3 Stat. 545-548 Missouri Compromise Mar 6, 1820 Permit the people of the proposed State of Missouri to draw up a constitution under which they decide whether or not to permit slavery, and prohibit slavery in the Louisiana Purchase north of the line 36 30' except in Missouri

17TH CONGRESS  (DEC 3, 1821 - MAR 3, 1823): ADMINISTRATION OF JAMES MONROE

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
17th 3 Stat. 678 Latin American Republics Act May 4, 1822 Appropriate funds to establish diplomatic missions in the newly independent countries of Columbia, Mexico, Chile, Argentina, Brazil, and Peru

18TH CONGRESS   (DEC 1, 1823 - MAR 3, 1825): ADMINISTRATION OF JAMES MONROE

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
18th 4 Stat. 22-23 General Survey Act Apr 30, 1824 Empower the President to initiate surveys and estimates regarding the costs of building roads and canals for military, commercial, or postal purposes
18th 4 Stat. 25-30 Tariff Act of 1824 May 22, 1824 Increase tariff rates on certain items, including cotton goods, raw wool, and iron

19TH CONGRESS  (DEC 5, 1825 - MAR 3, 1827): ADMINISTRATION OF JOHN QUINCY ADAMS

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
19th 4 Stat. 158 Mission at the Panama Conference May 4, 1826 Appropriate funds to send envoys and ministers to the Panama Conference of 1826

20TH CONGRESS  (DEC 3, 1827 - MAR 3, 1829): ADMINISTRATION OF JOHN QUINCY ADAMS

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
20th 4 Stat. 270-275 Tariff of Abominations May 19, 1828 Raise duties on imported goods to a general rate of 41%

21ST CONGRESS  (DEC 7, 1829 - MAR 3, 1831): ADMINISTRATION OF ANDREW JACKSON

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
21st 4 Stat. 411-412 Indian Removal Act May 28, 1830 Provide for the general resettlement of Indians to lands west of the Mississippi
21st 4 Stat. 419-420 Renewing of Commercial Intercourse Between the U.S. and Certain Colonies of Great Britain May 29, 1830 Authorize the President to open the ports of the U.S. as soon as British colonial were opened to the U.S. vessels without discrimination

22ND CONGRESS  (DEC 5, 1831 - MAR 2, 1833): ADMINISTRATION OF ANDREW JACKSON

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
22nd 4 Stat. 583-594 Tariff Act of 1832 Jul 14, 1832 Lower duties on many imported goods
22nd 4 Stat. 629-631 "Compromise Tariff" Bill Mar 2, 1833 Add many imported items to the tariff-free list and provide for gradual reduction of many other duties
22nd 4 Stat. 632-635 Force Bill Mar 2, 1833 Authorize the President to use the army and navy as necessary to execute revenue laws and collect custom duties

23RD CONGRESS  (DEC 2, 1833 - MAR 3, 1835): ADMINISTRATION OF ANDREW JACKSON

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
23rd 4 Stat. 735-738 Department of Indian Affairs Jun 30, 1834 Provide for the organization of Department of Indian Affairs within Department of War

24TH CONGRESS  (DEC 7, 1835 - MAR 3, 1837): ADMINISTRATION OF ANDREW JACKSON

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
24th 5 Stat. 52-56 Deposit Act Jun 23, 1836 Require Department of Treasury to designate at least one bank in each State and territory as a place of public deposit of U.S. funds, and provide for the distribution of surplus revenue among the States
24th 5 Stat. 176-178 Enlargement of the Supreme Court Mar 3, 1837 Increase the number of the Supreme Court Justices from seven to nine

25TH CONGRESS  (SEP 4, 1837 - MAR 3, 1839): ADMINISTRATION OF MARTIN VAN BUREN

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
25th 5 Stat. 201-204 Treasury Note Issue of 1837 Oct 12, 1837 Authorize the issues of $10 million dollars in Treasury notes to relive national financial crisis

26TH CONGRESS  (DEC 2, 1839 - MAR 3, 1841): ADMINISTRATION OF MARTIN VAN BUREN

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
26th 5 Stat. 385-392 Independent Treasury Act of 1840 Jul 4, 1840 Establish Federal depositories independent of State banks and private business, and establish sub-treasuries at New York, Boston, Philadelphia, St. Louis, New Orleans, Washington and Charleston

27TH CONGRESS  (MAY 31, 1841 - MAR 3, 1843): ADMINISTRATION OF JOHN TYLER

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
27th 5 Stat. 439-440 Repeal of the Independent Treasury Act of 1840 Aug 13, 1841 Order the removal of all Government funds from the depositories established under the Independent Treasury Act of 1840
27th 5 Stat. 548-567 Tariff Act of 1842 Aug 30, 1842 Increase tariff rates and end the distribution of revenues to the States

28TH CONGRESS  (DEC 4, 1843 - MAR 3, 1845): ADMINISTRATION OF JOHN TYLER

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
28th 5 Stat. 721 Establishment of Uniform Election Day for Presidential Electors Jan 23, 1845 Designate the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November as Election Day for Presidential electors
28th 5 Stat. 797-798 Texas Annexation Resolution Mar 1, 1845 Declare the consent of Congress to the establishment of Texas as a State and its admission to the Union

29TH CONGRESS   (DEC 1, 1845 - MAR 3, 1847): ADMINISTRATION OF JAMES K. POLK

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
29th 9 Stat. 9-10 Declaration of War with Mexico May 13, 1846 Declare that the war was begun by Mexico, appropriate funds to conclude war, and empower the President to use the army and navy
29th 9 Stat. 42-49 Walker Tariff Act Jul 30, 1846 Reduce tariff rates
29th 9 Stat. 59-66 Independent Treasury Act of 1846 Aug 6, 1846 Establish sub-treasuries for the deposit of Government money and stipulate that all payments made to and by the Government must be in gold, silver or Treasury notes
29th 9 Stat. 201 Postage Stamp Act Mar 3, 1847 Authorize use of adhesive postage stamps

30TH CONGRESS   (DEC 6, 1847 - MAR 3, 1849): ADMINISTRATION OF JAMES K. POLK

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
30th 9 Stat. 323-331 Oregon Bill Aug 14, 1848 Establish a territorial government for Oregon that prohibits slavery
30th 9 Stat. 395-397 Department of the Interior Mar 3, 1849 Establish the Department of Interior with responsibilities for the census, Indians, public lands, and patents

31ST CONGRESS   (DEC 3, 1849 - MAR 3, 1851): ADMINISTRATIONS OF ZACHARY TAYLOR AND MILLARD FILLMORE

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
31st 9 Stat. 446-452 Texas and New Mexico Act Sep 9, 1850 Establish Texas boundaries, authorize compensation to Texas for relinquishing claims to New Mexico, and provide that New Mexico be admitted to the Union with or without slavery, as determined by its constitution
31st 9 Stat. 452-453 Admission of California as a Free State Sep 9, 1850 Provide for the admission of California to the Union as a free State
31st 9 Stat. 453-458 Utah Act Sep 9, 1850 Provide that Utah be admitted to the Union with or without slavery, as determined by its constitution
31st 9 Stat. 462-465 Fugitive Slave Act Sep 18, 1850 Remove fugitive slave cases from Federal jurisdiction, provide for the appointment of Federal commissioners to conduct hearings ands issue warrants of arrest and certificates of return, impose a fine and imprisonment on any person aiding or harboring a fugitive slave, and deny fugitive slaves the right of jury trial or the right to testify on their own behalf
31st 9 Stat. 467-468 District of Columbia Slave-Trade Act Sep 20, 1850 Abolish the slave trade in D.C.

32ND CONGRESS   (DEC 1, 1851 - MAR 3, 1853): ADMINISTRATION OF MILLARD FILLMORE

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
32nd 10 Stat. 3 To Make Military Bounty Land Warrants Assignable Mar 22, 1852 Provide that land warrants issued to veterans in return for military service may be sold or traded

33RD CONGRESS   (DEC 5, 1853 - MAR 3, 1855): ADMINISTRATION OF FRANKLIN PIERCE

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
33rd 10 Stat. 277-290 Kansas-Nebraska Act May 30, 1854 Repeal the Missouri Compromise to allow citizens in the newly created territories of Kansas and Nebraska determine whether or not slavery would be legal
33rd 10 Stat. 604 Citizenship Act of 1855 Feb 10, 1855 Grant right of citizenship to children of citizens born outside of the U.S.

34TH CONGRESS   (DEC 3, 1855 - MAR 3, 1857): ADMINISTRATION OF FRANKLIN PIERCE

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
34th 11 Stat. 192-195 Tariff of 1857 Mar 3, 1857 Reduce the tariffs on many imported goods

35TH CONGRESS   (DEC 7, 1857 - MAR 3, 1859): ADMINISTRATION OF JAMES BUCHANAN

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
35th 11 Stat. 269-272 English Bill May 4, 1858 Offer to admit Kansas into the Union and provide the State with a public lands grant, provided that the State adopt the Lecompton constitution which supported slavery and the rights of slave owners

36TH CONGRESS   (DEC 5, 1859 - MAR 3, 1861): ADMINISTRATION OF JAMES BUCHANAN

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
36th 12 Stat. 178-198 Morrill Tariff Act of 1861 Mar 2, 1861 Increase duties on certain classes of imports

37TH CONGRESS   (JUL 4, 1861 - MAR 3, 1863): ADMINISTRATION OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
37th 12 Stat. 292-313 First Federal Income Tax Aug 5, 1861 Impose duties on certain imports, institute a direct tax on real estate, and establish a tax on income
37th 12 Stat. 319 First Slave Confiscation Act Aug 6, 1861 Provide for the emancipation of slaves employed in arms or labor against the U.S. Government
37th 12 Stat. 345-348 Legal Tender Act Feb 25, 1852 Authorize the issuance of $150 million in paper currency
37th 12 Stat. 387-388 Department of Agriculture May 15, 1862 Establish the Department of Agriculture
37th 12 Stat. 392-394 Homestead Act May 20, 1862 Provide up to 160 acres of public lands at $1.25 an acre to any citizen or head of a family who occupied and improved the land for five continuous years
37th 12 Stat. 489-498 Pacific Railroad Act Jul 1, 1862 Provide for the Union Pacific Railroad and the Central Pacific Railroad to undertake efforts to complete the first U.S. transcontinental railroad
37th 12 Stat. 501-502 First Antipolygamy Act Jul 1, 1862 Prohibit the practice of polygamy in the States and Territories, and annul certain acts of the Legislative Assembly of the Territory of Utah
37th 12 Stat. 503-505 Morrill Land-Grant College Act Jul 2, 1862 Grant to States not in rebellion against the U.S. Government public lands or land scrip to be sold for the purpose of endowing agricultural and mechanical arts colleges
37th 12 Stat. 543-561 Tariff Act of 1862 Jul 14, 1862 Raise tariff rates
37th 12 Stat. 589-592 Second Slave Confiscation Act Jul 17, 1862 Emancipated slaves of persons engaged in the rebellion against the U.S. Government
37th 12 Stat. 665-682 National Bank Act Feb 25, 1863 Establish a national banking system
37th 12 Stat. 731-737 Conscription Act Mar 3, 1863 Establish a national system to draft men between the ages of 20-45 for military service
37th 12 Stat. 755-758 Habeas Corpus Act Mar 3, 1863 Endorse actions of President Lincoln authorizing the suspension of habeas corpus rights during the war
37th 12 Stat. 806-807 National Academy of Sciences Mar 3, 1863 Establish the National Academy of Sciences

38TH CONGRESS   (DEC 7, 1863 - MAR 3, 1865): ADMINISTRATION OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
38th 13 Stat. 202-218 Morrill Tariff Amendments of 1864 Jun 30, 1864 Increase tariff rates
38th 13 Stat. 365-372 Northern Pacific Railroad Act Jul 2, 1864 Authorize the Northern Pacific Railroad to build a railroad and telegraph line from Lake Superior to Portland, Oregon
38th 13 Stat. 385-387 Immigration Act Jul 4, 1864 Provide for the appointment of the Commissioner of Immigration and the establishment of a U.S. Emigrant Office in New York

39TH CONGRESS   (DEC 4, 1865 - MAR 3, 1867): ADMINISTRATION OF ANDREW JOHNSON

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
39th 14 Stat. 27-30 Civil Rights Act Apr 9, 1866 Grant citizenship to all persons born in the U.S., and provide all citizens, with the exception of Indians, with the same civil rights
39th 14 Stat. 428-430 First Reconstruction Act Mar 2, 1867 Divide the States of the former Confederacy, except for Tennessee, into military districts, and establish procedures for their readmittance to the Union
39th 14 Stat. 430-432 Tenure of Office Act of 1867 Mar 2, 1867 Prohibit the President from removing civil officials appointed with the advice of the Senate without first obtaining Senatorial approval

40TH CONGRESS   (MAR 4, 1867 - MAR 3, 1869): ADMINISTRATION OF ULYSSES GRANT

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
40th 15 Stat. 2-5 Second Reconstruction Act Mar 23, 1867 Require military commanders in charge of the five military districts in the South to establish procedures for voter registration and elections
40th 15 Stat. 539-544 Alaska Purchase Treaty Apr 9, 1867 Provide for the purchase of Alaska from Russia
40th 15 Stat. 14-16 Third Reconstruction Act Jul 19, 1867 Provide the commander of the five Southern military districts with authority to suspend or remove from office any civil or military official in the district, and to resolve voter eligibility issues
40th 15 Stat. 41 Fourth Reconstruction Act Mar 11, 1868 Revise regulations for former Confederate State adoption of new constitutions
40th 15 Stat. 72-74 Omnibus Act Jun 22-25, 1868 Provide for the readmission to the Union of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, and South Carolina

41ST CONGRESS  (MAR 4, 1869 - MAR 3, 1871): ADMINISTRATION OF ULYSSES GRANT

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
41st 16 Stat. 1 Public Credit Act Mar 18, 1969 Provide for the payment of Government obligations in gold
41st 16 Stat. 140-146 First Force Act (First Ku Klux Klan Act) May 31, 1870 Establish penalties for and Federal jurisdiction over right to vote infringement
41st 16 Stat. 162-165 Department of Justice Jun 22, 1870 Establish the Department of Justice
41st 16 Stat. 256-272 Tariff Act of 1870 Jul 14, 1870 Eliminate or reduce tariff rates on certain imports, and reduce the internal revenue tax
41st 16 Stat. 433-440 Second Force Act (Second Ku Klux Klan Act) Feb 28, 1871 Place control of national elections under Federal control, authorize Federal judges to appoint election supervisors, and authorize U.S. Marshalls to preserve order at polling places
41st 16 Stat. 514-515 Civil Service Commission Mar 3, 1871 Authorize the President to prescribe regulations to promote the efficiency of the civil service, and to employ suitable persons to conduct interviews and establish regulations for individuals who receive civil service appointments

42ND CONGRESS  (MAR 4, 1871 - MAR 3, 1873): ADMINISTRATION OF ULYSSES GRANT

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
42nd 17 Stat. 13-15 Third Force Act (Third Ku Klux Klan Act) Apr 20, 1871 Direct the Federal courts to punish specific acts of terrorism, bar members of Klan-type societies from serving on juries in these cases, and authorize the President to suspend the writ of habeas corpus in areas deemed to be in a condition of anarchy and insurrection
42nd 17 Stat. 32-33 Yellowstone National Park (First National Park) Mar 1, 1872 Designate a tract of land near the Yellowstone River as a public park
42nd 17 Stat. 91-96 General Mining Act of 1872 May 10, 1872 Provide that mineral deposits on public lands be open to exploration and purchase by U.S. citizens
42nd 17 Stat. 230-258 Tariff Act of 1872 Jun 6, 1872 Reduce tariff rates and reduce the duties on salt and coal
42nd 17 Stat. 424-436 Coinage Act of 1873 Feb 12, 1873 Discontinue coinage of silver dollars except for international trade, and make gold the sole monetary standard for the U.S.
42nd 17 Stat. 485-509 Salary Grab Act Mar 3, 1873 Double the President’s salary and increase the salaries of the Vice President, Cabinet members, Supreme Court Justices, and members of Congress

43RD CONGRESS  (DEC 1, 1873 - MAR 3, 1875): ADMINISTRATION OF ULYSSES GRANT

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
43rd 18 Stat 4 Salary Grab Act Repeal Jan 20, 1874 Repeal the salary increases in Salary Grab Act, with the exception of the salary of the President and Supreme Court Judges
43rd 18 Stat. 116-121 Reorganization of D.C. Government Jun 20, 1874 Replace D.C. home rule with a government of commissioners appointed by the President
43rd 18 Stat. 296 Specie Resumption Act Jan 14, 1875 Reduce the value of greenbacks in circulation and allow the resumption of specie payment
43rd 18 Stat. 335-337 Civil Rights Act of 1875 Mar 1, 1875 Guarantee equal rights to all citizens in public accommodations and conveyances, and prohibit the exclusion of African Americans from jury duty
43rd 18 Stat. 469-470 Tariff Act of 1875 Mar 3, 1875 Increase tariff rates and duties

44TH CONGRESS  (DEC 6, 1875 - MAR 3, 1877): ADMINISTRATION OF ULYSSES GRANT

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
44th 19 Stat. 227-229 Electoral Commission Jan 29, 1877 Establish a commission to review dispute involving electoral votes in the 1876 Presidential election

45TH CONGRESS  (OCT 15, 1877 - MAR 3, 1879): ADMINISTRATION OF RUTHERFORD B. HAYES

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
45th 20 Stat. 25-26 Bland-Allison Act Feb 28, 1878 Provide for the Department of Treasury to purchase silver to be coined into silver dollars, make silver legal tender, authorize the issuance of paper money backed by coin deposits, and direct the President to call an international monetary conference to set a ratio between gold and silver

46TH CONGRESS  (MAR 18, 1879 - MAR 3, 1881): ADMINISTRATION OF RUTHERFORD B. HAYES

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
46th 20 Stat. 152 Army Appropriation Bill of 1878 Jun 18, 1878 Prohibit the use of the U.S. Army as a posse comitatus to execute laws, except in cases expressly authorized by the Constitution or an act of Congress
46th 20 Stat. 394-395 Geological Survey Mar 3, 1879 Establish the Geological Survey as a bureau within the Department of Interior

47TH CONGRESS  (DEC 5, 1881 - MAR 3, 1883): ADMINISTRATIONS OF JAMES A. GARFIELD AND CHESTER A. ARTHUR

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
47th 22 Stat. 30-32 Edmunds Anti-Polygamy Act Mar 22, 1882 Impose penalties on the practice of polygamy and disqualify those who practice it from voting, holding office, or serving on juries in polygamy cases; and place Utah elections under Federal supervision
47th 22 Stat. 58-61 Chinese Exclusion Act May 6, 1882 Suspend the immigration of Chinese laborers for ten years and deny citizenship to all foreign-born Chinese
47th 22 Stat. 64 Tariff Commission May 15, 1882 Establish a commission to suggest reforms to deal with the accumulating surplus in the Department of Treasury
47th 22 Stat. 214-215 Immigration Act of 1882 Aug 3, 1882 Prohibit paupers, criminals, convicts, and the insane from entering the U.S., and establish a 50-cent head tax on each immigrant
47th 22 Stat. 403-407 Pendleton Act Jan 16, 1883 Establish a bipartisan Civil Service Commission and provide that no Federal employees is under any obligation to contribute to a political fund
47th 22 Stat. 488-526 Mongrel Tariff Mar 3, 1883 Revise tariff rates for certain imports

48TH CONGRESS  (DEC 3, 1883 - MAR 3, 1885): ADMINISTRATION OF CHESTER A. ARTHUR

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
48th 23 Stat. 60-61 Bureau of Labor Jun 27, 1884 Establish a Bureau of Labor within the Department of Interior
48th 23 Stat. 115-118 Second Chinese Exclusion Act Jul 5, 1884 Impose stringent penalties on the master of any vessel attempting to land Chinese laborers
48th 23 Stat. 332-333 Contract Labor Act Feb 26, 1885 Prohibit immigration of contract laborers into the U.S. except for use as domestic servants or skilled labor not otherwise obtainable for new industries

49TH CONGRESS  (DEC 7, 1885 - MAR 3, 1887): ADMINISTRATION OF GROVER CLEVELAND

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
49th 24 Stat. 1-2 Presidential Succession Jan 19, 1886 Establish procedures for Presidential succession in case of removal, death, resignation or inability of the both the President and Vice President to serve
49th 24 Stat. 373-375 Electoral Count Act Feb 3, 1887 Revise procedures for electoral vote in Presidential elections
49th 24 Stat. 379-387 Interstate Commerce Act Feb 4, 1887 Establish a presidentially appointed five-man Interstate Commerce Commission
49th 24 Stat. 388-391 Dawes Severalty Act Feb 8, 1887 Provide for the allotment of Indian reservation lands to tribal members
49th 24 Stat. 440-442 Hatch Act Mar 2, 1887 Provide subsidies to States for establishment and support of agricultural experiment stations administered by State agricultural colleges
49th 24 Stat. 500 Tenure of Office Act Repeal Mar 3, 1887 Repeal the Tenure of Office Act of 1887

50TH CONGRESS  (DEC 5, 1887 - MAR 3, 1889): ADMINISTRATION OF GROVER CLEVELAND

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
50th 25 Stat. 182-184 Department of Labor Act Jun 13, 1888 Re-designate the National Bureau of Labor as an independent agency without Cabinet rank
50th 25 Stat. 501-504 Railroad Arbitration Act Oct 1, 1888 Establish procedures for voluntary arbitration in railroad-labor conflicts
50th 25 Stat. 659 Department of Agriculture Act Feb 9, 1889 Re-designate the Commission on Agriculture as an independent department with Cabinet level status

51ST CONGRESS  (DEC 2, 1889 - MAR 3, 1891): ADMINISTRATION OF BENJAMIN HARRISON

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
51st 26 Stat. 81-100 Territory of Oklahoma May 2, 1890 Establish the Oklahoma Territory
51st 26 Stat. 182-183 Dependent Pension and Disability Act Jun 27, 1890 Provide pensions to disabled Union veterans and dependents of veterans who work for a living
51st 26 Stat. 209-210 Sherman Antitrust Act Jul 2, 1890 Provide the Federal Government with authority to prosecute corporations or individuals entering into contracts in restraint of interstate trade or commerce with foreign countries, and provide individuals injured by monopolistic practices with the right to sue for damages
51st 26 Stat. 289-290 Sherman Silver Purchase Act Jul 14, 1890 Require Department of Treasury to buy certain amounts of silver bullion and issue legal tender Treasury notes redeemable in gold or silver
51st 26 Stat. 567-625 McKinley Tariff Act Oct 1, 1890 Increase duties and provide for limited reciprocity treaties between the U.S. and countries that produce sugar, molasses, coffee, tea and hides
51st 26 Stat. 826-830 Court of Appeals Act Mar 3, 1891 Establish the Court of Appeals
51st 26 Stat. 1103 Forestry Reserves Act Mar 3, 1891 Authorize the President to set aside public lands as forest reserve lands (subsequently called national forests)
51st 26 Stat. 1106-1110 International Copyright Act Mar 3, 1891 Provide copyright protection to foreign authors whose governments provide U.S. authors with copyright protection

52ND CONGRESS  (DEC 7, 1891 - MAR 3, 1893): ADMINISTRATION OF BENJAMIN HARRISON

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
51st 26 Stat. 81-100 Territory of Oklahoma May 2, 1890 Establish the Oklahoma Territory
51st 26 Stat. 182-183 Dependent Pension and Disability Act Jun 27, 1890 Provide pensions to disabled Union veterans and dependents of veterans who work for a living
51st 26 Stat. 209-210 Sherman Antitrust Act Jul 2, 1890 Provide the Federal Government with authority to prosecute corporations or individuals entering into contracts in restraint of interstate trade or commerce with foreign countries, and provide individuals injured by monopolistic practices with the right to sue for damages
51st 26 Stat. 289-290 Sherman Silver Purchase Act Jul 14, 1890 Require Department of Treasury to buy certain amounts of silver bullion and issue legal tender Treasury notes redeemable in gold or silver
51st 26 Stat. 567-625 McKinley Tariff Act Oct 1, 1890 Increase duties and provide for limited reciprocity treaties between the U.S. and countries that produce sugar, molasses, coffee, tea and hides
51st 26 Stat. 826-830 Court of Appeals Act Mar 3, 1891 Establish the Court of Appeals
51st 26 Stat. 1103 Forestry Reserves Act Mar 3, 1891 Authorize the President to set aside public lands as forest reserve lands (subsequently called national forests)
51st 26 Stat. 1106-1110 International Copyright Act Mar 3, 1891 Provide copyright protection to foreign authors whose governments provide U.S. authors with copyright protection

53RD CONGRESS  (AUG 7, 1893 - MAR 3, 1895): ADMINISTRATION OF GROVER CLEVELAND

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
53rd 28 Stat. 391 Bureau of Immigration Aug 18, 1894 Authorize the President to organize a Bureau of Immigration and appoint commissioners

54TH CONGRESS  (DEC 2, 1895 - MAR 3, 1897): ADMINISTRATION OF GROVER CLEVELAND

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
54th 28 Stat. 509-570 Wilson-Gorman Tariff Act Aug 27, 1894 Reduce the tariff rate and permit the Government to levy an income tax on incomes in excess of $4,000 per year
54th 29 Stat. 84 Act of Oblivion Mar 31, 1896 Repeal law holding that individuals who held commissions or served in an official capacity in the Confederacy were not eligible to hold a position in the U.S. army or navy

55TH CONGRESS  (MAR 15, 1897 - MAR 3, 1899): ADMINISTRATION OF WILLIAM MCKINLEY

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
55th 30 Stat. 151-214 Dingley Tariff Act Jul 24, 1897 Increase rates of customs duties
55th 30 Stat. 738-739 Recognition of Cuban Independence (Teller Amendment) Apr 20, 1898 Recognize the independence of Cuba, demand that Spain relinquish its authority and withdraw land and naval forces from Cuba, and direct the President to use force to carry out this resolution
55th 30 Stat. 424-428 Erdman Act Jun 1, 1898 Provide for mediation by Interstate Commerce Commission Chairman and Bureau of Labor Commissioner in railroad disputes
55th 30 Stat. 448-470 War Revenue Act Jun 13, 1898 Impose various taxes, including taxes on liquor and tobacco, and authorize Department of Treasury to borrow sums necessary to meet public expenditures
55th 30 Stat. 750-751 Hawaiian Annexation Jul 7, 1898 Provide for annexation and government of Hawaiian Islands

56TH CONGRESS  (DEC 4, 1899 - MAR 3, 1901): ADMINISTRATION OF WILLIAM MCKINLEY

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
56th 31 Stat. 45-50 Currency Act of 1900 (Gold Standard Act) Mar 14, 1900 Declare the gold dollar to be the standard unit of monetary value and place all forms of U.S. currency on parity with gold
56th 31 Stat. 77-86 Foraker Act Apr 12, 1900 Establish a civil government in Puerto Rico and establish the island as an unorganized territory of the U.S.
56th 31 Stat. 141-162 Hawaiian Organic Act Apr 30, 1900 Accorded Hawaii the political status of an incorporated territory
56th 31 Stat. 897-898 Platt Amendment Mar 2, 1901 Prohibit Cuba from making a treaty with any foreign nation which would impair its independence, provide the U.S. with the right to intervene in Cuban affairs, and require Cuba to sell or lease lands to the U.S. for coaling and naval stations
56th 31 Stat. 910 Spooner Amendment Mar 2, 1901 Authorize the President to establish a temporary civil government in the Philippine Islands

57TH CONGRESS  (DEC 2, 1901 - MAR 3, 1903): ADMINISTRATION OF THEODORE ROOSEVELT

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
57th 32 Stat. 51-53 Permanent Census Office Mar 6, 1902 Provide the Census Bureau with permanent status and provide for the appointment of a Director of Census by the President
57th 32 Stat. 388-390 Newlands Reclamation Project Jun 17, 1902 Authorize the use of the proceeds of public lands sales in western and southwestern States for the development of irrigation projects
57th 32 Stat. 481-484 Spooner (Isthmus of Panama) Act Jun 28, 1902 Provide for the purchase of rights, work, and property owned by the New Panama Canal Co. of France on the Isthmus of Panama
57th 32 Stat. 691-712 Philippines Government Act Jul 1, 1902 Declare the Philippine Islands to be an unorganized territory and provide for the establishment of a government
57th 32 Stat. 823 Expedition Act Feb 11, 1903 Establish procedures to expedite Federal prosecution of antitrust suits
57th 32 Stat. 825-830 Department of Commerce and Labor Feb 14, 1903 Establish the Department of Commerce and Labor as a Cabinet level department
57th 32 Stat. 847-849 Elkins Act Feb 19, 1903 Establish a definition of actions that constitute unfair discrimination between shippers engaged in interstate commerce

58TH CONGRESS  (NOV 9, 1903 - MAR 3, 1905): ADMINISTRATION OF THEODORE ROOSEVELT

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
58th 33 Stat. 628 Transfer Act Feb 1, 1905 Transfer control of national forest reserves from the Department of Interior to the Department of Agriculture

59TH CONGRESS  (DEC 4, 1905 - MAR 3, 1907): ADMINISTRATION OF THEODORE ROOSEVELT

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
59th 34 Stat. 225 American Antiquities Act Jun 8, 1906 Require that a permit be obtained for examination of ruins and excavations of archaeological sites, and authorize the President to designate as national monuments objects or areas of historical or scientific interest
59th 34 Stat. 584-595 Hepburn Act Jun 29, 1906 Empower the Interstate Commerce Commission to establish minimum railroad rates and prescribe uniform accounting systems for railroad corporations
59th 34 Stat. 596-607 Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization Jun 29, 1906 Establish a Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization
59th 34 Stat. 674-679 Meat Inspection Act Jun 30, 1906 Authorize Department of Agriculture to assume responsibility for inspections of meats prepared for interstate shipment
59th 34 Stat. 768-772 Pure Food and Drug Act Jun 30, 1906 Establish penalties for manufacture, sale or transportation of adulterated or mislabeled food, drugs, medicines, and liquors sold in interstate or foreign commerce
59th 34 Stat. 1228-1229 Citizenship and Expatriation Act Mar 2, 1907 Establish procedures for issuance of passports to non-U.S. citizens, for expatriation of U.S. citizens, and for granting of citizenship to foreigners married to U.S. citizens

60TH CONGRESS  (DEC 2, 1907 - MAR 3, 1909): ADMINISTRATION OF THEODORE ROOSEVELT

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
60th 35 Stat. 546-553 Aldrich-Vreeland Emergency Currency Act May 30, 1908 Establish a commission to study banking and currency systems, and authorize national banks to form associations permitted to issue circulating notes in times of emergency

61ST CONGRESS  (MAR 15, 1909 - MAR 3, 1911): ADMINISTRATION OF WILLIAM A. TAFT

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
61st 36 Stat. 11-118 Payne-Aldrich Tariff Act Aug 5, 1909 Lower customs duties, establish a Tariff Commission, and impose a tax on interstate corporations
61st 36 Stat. 539-557 Mann-Elkins Act Jun 18, 1910 Place telegraph, telephone, cable, and wireless companies under the jurisdiction of the Interstate Commerce Commission, and establish a Federal Court of Commerce to hear appeals regarding Interstate Commerce Commission rulings
61st 36 Stat. 822-824 Publicity of Campaign Contributions Act Jun 25, 1910 Require candidates for the House of Representatives to report campaign contributions greater than $10
61st 36 Stat. 825-827 White-Slave Trade Act (Mann Act) Jun 25, 1910 Prohibit transportation of women across state lines for immoral purposes
61st 36 Stat. 961-963 Weeks Act Mar 1, 1911 Authorize interstate compacts for forest and water supply conservation, establish Federal grants to States for the prevention of forest fires in watersheds of navigable rivers, and grant States a percentage of proceeds from national forests within their boundaries to be used for schools and roads

62ND CONGRESS  (APR 4, 1911 - MAR 3, 1913): ADMINISTRATION OF WILLIAM A. TAFT

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
62nd 37 Stat. 512-518 Alaska Organic Act Aug 24, 1912 Establish the Territory of Alaska as an unincorporated territory of the U.S.
62nd 37 Stat. 699-700 Webb-Kenyon Interstate Liquor Act Mar 1, 1913 Prohibit interstate shipping of liquor into States where sale of liquor is illegal
62nd 37 Stat. 701-703 Physical Valuation Act Mar 1, 1913 Empower the Interstate Commerce Commission to analyze railroad property to establish cost and physical valuation as a basis for rate making and the fixing of a reasonable profit
62nd 37 Stat. 736-738 Department of Labor Establishment Mar 4, 1913 Separate the Department of Commerce and Labor into two Cabinet level departments and establish U.S. Board of Mediation and Conciliation

63RD CONGRESS  (APR 7, 1913 - MAR 3, 1915): ADMINISTRATION OF WOODROW WILSON

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
63rd 38 Stat. 114-202 Underwood-Simmons Tariff Act Oct 3, 1913 Lower customs duties, authorize the President to negotiate reciprocal trade agreements, establish anti-dumping measures, and impose a one percent tax on incomes above $42,000 and a graduated one to six percent tax on incomes of $20,000 and above
63rd 38 Stat. 251-275 Federal Reserve Bank Act Dec 23, 1913 Provide for the designation of Federal Reserve Bank cities, and establish the Federal Reserve Board
63rd 38 Stat. 372-375 Smith-Lever Act May 8, 1914 Establish an agricultural extension work system based on cooperation between the Department of Agriculture and the land grant colleges
63rd 38 Stat. 717-724 Federal Trade Commission Act Sep 26, 1914 Prohibit unfair competition in interstate commerce and establish the Federal Trade Commission
63rd 38 Stat. 730-740 Clayton Antitrust Act Oct 15, 1914 Prohibit certain forms of price discrimination, certain inter-corporate stock holdings and interlocking directorates; provide remedies for parties injured by monopolistic practices; and declare strikes and boycotts to be legal
63rd 38 Stat. 745-764 War Revenue Act of 1914 Oct 22, 1914 Increase certain internal taxes, including taxes on liquor and tobacco
63rd 38 Stat. 800-803 Creation of U.S. Coast Guard Jan 28, 1915 Combine the Revenue Cutter Service and the Life Saving Service to create the U.S. Coast Guard

64TH CONGRESS  (DEC 6, 1915 - MAR 3, 1917): ADMINISTRATION OF WOODROW WILSON

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
64th 39 Stat. 166-217 National Defense Act Jun 3, 1916 Provide for reorganization of the armed forces in peace-time, provide for reserve officers trainings corps at colleges and universities, authorize the construction of a plant for the production of nitrates and munitions, establish a signal corps, and provide for the purchase and maintenance of airships
64th 39 Stat. 355-359 Rural Post Roads Act Jul 11, 1916 Authorize Federal aid to States for the construction of roads over which the U.S. mails could be transported
64th 39 Stat. 360-384 Federal Farm Loan Bank Act Jul 17, 1916 Establish a Federal land bank system to be administered by a Federal Farm Loan Board
64th 39 Stat. 486-493 Warehouse Act Aug 11, 1916 Authorize licensed and bonded warehouses to issue receipts against certain agricultural commodities that are negotiable as delivery orders or as collateral for loans
64th 39 Stat. 535-536 Office of National Parks, Buildings and Reservations Aug 25, 1916 Establish the Office of National Parks, Buildings and Reservations
64th 39 Stat. 545-556 Jones Act (Organic Act of the Philippine Islands) Aug 29, 1916 Declare that it was the intention of the U.S. people to provide a more autonomous government for the Philippines and eventually grant independence
64th 39 Stat. 675-676 Keating-Owen Child Labor Act Sep 1, 1916 Prohibit the interstate shipment of the products of child labor and establish minimum age and hours laws
64th 39 Stat. 721-722 Adamson Act Sep 3, 5, 1916 Establish an 8-hour work day and time-and-a half for overtime on interstate railroads
64th 39 Stat. 728-738 Shipping Act Sep 7, 1916 Establish the U.S. Shipping Board empowered to acquire vessels through the Emergency Fleet Corp.
64th 39 Stat. 874-898 Immigration Act Feb 5, 1917 Restrict immigration of Asian laborers, and require immigrants to pass a literacy test preceding admission to the U.S.
64th 39 Stat. 929-936 Smith-Hughes Act Feb 23, 1917 Establish the Federal Board of Vocational Education

65TH CONGRESS  (APR 2, 1917 - MAR 3, 1919): ADMINISTRATION OF WOODROW WILSON

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
65th 40 Stat. 1 Declaration of a State of War with Germany Apr 6, 1917 Proclaim that a state of war exists with Germany
65th 40 Stat. 35-37 Liberty Loan Act Apr 24, 1917 Authorize a bond issue for costs of war and authorize loans to Allies
65th 40 Stat. 76-83 Selective Service Act May 18, 1917 Require registration and classification for military service of all men between the ages of 21 and 30, and provide for selection by lottery of physically fit registrants for military service
65th 40 Stat. 217-231 Espionage Act Jun 15, 1917 Establish severe penalties for treasonable and disloyal activities against the interests of Government
65th 40 Stat. 276-287 Lever Food and Fuel Control Act Aug 10, 1917 Authorize the President to fix prices and to place controls on output and consumption, and prohibit the importation and manufacture of distilled spirits for the duration of the war
65th 40 Stat. 300-338 War Revenue Act Oct 3, 1917 Increase corporate and personal income taxes and establish excise, excess-profit, and luxury taxes
65th 40 Stat. 411-426 Trading With the Enemy Act Oct 6, 1917 Prohibit commercial activity with enemy nations or their associates, authorize the President to place an embargo on imports, authorize censorship of any material passing between the U.S. and any foreign nation, establish a custodian of alien property, and establish a War Trade Board with power to license imports and exports to facilitate U.S. trade and hamper enemy trade
65th 40 Stat. 1729-1733 Declaration of a State of War With Austria-Hungary Dec 11, 1917 Proclaim that a state of war exists with Austria-Hungary
65th 40 Stat. 450-451 Daylight Standard Time Act Mar 19, 1918 Establish standard time zones and establish daylight savings time from Mar to Oct to conserve electric energy
65th 40 Stat. 451-458 Railroad Control Act Mar 21, 1918 Place the management of all railroads under Federal control
65th 40 Stat. 506-515 War Finance Corporation Act Apr 5, 1918 Establish a War Finance Corp. with power to lend to banks to cover loans made to war industries and to lend to persons and corporations engaged in business necessary to the prosecution of war
65th 40 Stat. 516-518 Webb-Pomerene Export Trade Act Apr 10, 1918 Provide exporters to establish associations to facilitate export trade without being liable for violation of antitrust laws
65th 40 Stat. 533-534 Sabotage Act Apr 20, 1918 Establish penalties for disruption of activities related to national defense
65th 40 Stat. 553-554 Sedition Act May 16, 1918 Establish severe penalties for making or conveying false statements interfering with the prosecution of war, and for willfully uttering, printing, writing or publishing any language disloyal to our form of Government, the Constitution or the armed forces
65th 40 Stat. 755-757 Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 Jul 3, 1918 Implement the 1916 Convention Between the U.S. and Great Britain (for Canada) for the Protection of Migratory Birds

66TH CONGRESS  (MAY 19, 1919 - MAR 3, 1921): ADMINISTRATION OF WOODROW WILSON

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
66th 41 Stat. 305-323 National Prohibition Act (Volstead Act) Oct 28, 1919 Authorize the commissioner of Internal Revenue to enforce the 18th constitutional amendment prohibiting the manufacture, sale, or transportation of liquor
66th 41 Stat. 437-451 Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 Feb 25, 1920 Establish a leasing system for acquisition of coal, oil and other mineral deposits
66th 41 Stat. 456-499 Transportation Act of 1920 (Esch-Cummins Transportation Act) Feb 28, 1920 Establish a Railroad Labor Board for the adjustment of labor disputes, return the railroads from Federal to private control, and exempt railroads form antitrust laws
66th 41 Stat. 988-1008 Jones Merchant Marine Act Jun 5, 1920 Repeal emergency war legislation relating to U.S. shipping, reorganize the U.S. shipping Board, and authorize the sale of government ships to private operators
66th 41 Stat. 1063-1077 Federal Water Power Act Jun 10, 1920 Create a Federal Power Commission authorized to regulate waterways on public lands and navigable streams, and to license the use of dam sites for electric power

67TH CONGRESS  (APR 11, 1921 - MAR 3, 1923): ADMINISTRATION OF WARREN G. HARDING

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
67th 42 Stat. 5-7 First Immigration Quota Act May 19, 1921 Establish immigration quotas based on nationality
67th 42 Stat. 20-27 National Budget and Accounting Act Jun 10, 1921 Establish a Budget Bureau in the Department of Treasury to formulate and oversee budget expenditures, and establish a General Accounting Office to carry out independent audits of Government accounts
67th 42 Stat. 147-157 Establishment of Veterans' Bureau Aug 9, 1921 Establish the Veterans' Bureau as an independent agency
67th 42 Stat. 159-169 Packers and Stockyards Act Aug 15, 1921 Prohibit unfair practices, including manipulation and control of prices, that create a monopoly or restraint of trade in livestock, poultry, and dairy industries
67th 42 Stat. 187-191 Future Trading Act Aug 24, 1921 Establish procedures to regulate grain futures markets in order to prevent market manipulation and monopolistic practices
67th 42 Stat. 224-226 Sheppard-Towner Maternity and Infancy Act Nov 23, 1921 Provide Federal aid to States to promote welfare and hygiene of mothers and infants
67th 42 Stat. 388-389 Capper-Volstead Cooperative Marketing Act Feb 18, 1922 Exempt agricultural associations and cooperatives from anti-trust laws to allow cooperative buying and selling by farmers
67th 42 Stat 1021-1022 Cable Act Sep 22, 1922 Provide that a woman would no longer lose her citizenship if she married an alien or automatically gain her citizenship if she married a U.S. citizen
67th 42 Stat 1454-1482 Agricultural Credits Act Mar 4, 1923 Authorize the creation of Intermediate Credit Banks authorized to make agricultural loans against land, crops, and livestock

68TH CONGRESS  (DEC 3, 1923 - MAR 3, 1925): ADMINISTRATION OF CALVIN COOLIDGE

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
68th 43 Stat. 121-131 Soldiers’ Bonus Bill May 19, 1924 Authorize bonuses for World War I veterans
68th 43 Stat. 140-146 Rogers Foreign Service Act May 24, 1924 Reorganize diplomatic and consular services
68th 43 Stat. 153-169 Immigration Quota Act May 26, 1924 Lower the annual immigration quota for all nationalities
68th 43 Stat. 253 Native-born American Indians Made Citizens Jun 2, 1924 Grants citizenship to all non-citizen Indians born in the U.S.
68th 43 Stat. 1070-1074 Federal Corrupt Practices Act of 1925 Feb 28, 1925 Limit campaign expenditures by candidates for the House of Representative and the Senate

69TH CONGRESS  (DEC 7, 1925 - MAR 3, 1927): ADMINISTRATION OF CALVIN COOLIDGE

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
69th 44 Stat. 9-131 Revenue Act of 1926 Feb 26, 1926 Reduce personal income and inheritance taxes, abolish numerous excise taxes, and increase taxes on corporations
69th 44 Stat. 577-587 Railway Labor Act May 20, 1926 Abolish the Railroad Labor Board and establish the Board of mediation to mediate disputes between railroad employees and employers
69th 44 Stat. 568-576 Air Commerce Act May 20, 1926 Establish the Air Commerce Bureau within the Department of Commerce with jurisdiction over civil aviation safety
69th 44 Stat. 630-635 Public Buildings Act May 25, 1926 Authorize construction of Federal buildings, including buildings in D.C.
69th 44 Stat. 1162-1174 Radio Control Act Feb 23, 1927 Establish the Federal Radio Commission empowered to issue and revoke radio licenses

70TH CONGRESS  (DEC 5, 1927 - MAR 3, 1929): ADMINISTRATION OF CALVIN COOLIDGE

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
70th 45 Stat. 534-539 Flood Control Act May 15, 1928 Authorize appropriations for flood control in the Mississippi River Valley

71ST CONGRESS  (APR 15, 1929 - MAR 3, 1931): ADMINISTRATION OF HERBERT HOOVER

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
71st 46 Stat. 11-19 Agricultural Marketing Act Jun 15, 1929 Establish the Federal Farm Board to promote the marketing of farm commodities through agricultural cooperatives and stabilization corporations
71st 46 Stat. 590-763 Hawley-Smoot Tariff Act Jun 17, 1930 Increase duties on imported agricultural products and reorganize the Tariff Commission
71st 46 Stat. 991-1002 Veterans' Administration Act Jul 3, 1930 Establish the Veterans Administration empowered to administer all Federal veterans programs
71st 46 Stat. 1508 National Anthem Mar 3, 1931 Designated Francis Scott Key's "The Star-Spangled Banner" as the U.S. national anthem

72ND CONGRESS  (DEC 7, 1931 - MAR 3, 1933): ADMINISTRATION OF HERBERT HOOVER

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
72nd 47 Stat. 5-12 Reconstruction Finance Corporation Act Jan 22, 1932 Create the Reconstruction Finance Corp. with authority to issue tax-exempt bonds and to extend credit to provide emergency financing for banking institutions, life insurance companies, farm mortgage associations, building and loan corporations, and other businesses
72nd 47 Stat. 56-57 Glass-Steagall Act of 1932 Feb 27, 1932 Authorize the sale of Government gold to provide for industrial and business needs and provide the Federal Reserve System with more flexibility in discounting commercial paper
72nd 47 Stat. 709-724 Emergency Relief and Construction Act Jul 21, 1932 Extend the scope and functions of the Reconstruction Finance Corp.
72nd 47 Stat. 725-741 Federal Home Loan Bank Act Jul 22, 1932 Establish the Home Loan Bank Board and System

73RD CONGRESS  (MAR 9, 1933 - JUN 18, 1934): ADMINISTRATION OF FRANKLIN ROOSEVELT

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
73rd 48 Stat. 1-7 Emergency Banking Relief Act Mar 9, 1933 Provide the President with broad discretionary powers over transactions in credit, current, gold, and silver, including foreign exchange; require Federal Reserve Banks to be licensed by Department of Treasury; and prohibit ownership or export of gold
73rd 48 Stat. 8-16 Economy Act Mar 20, 1933 Reduce Federal employee salaries, reduce veterans benefits, and reorganize Federal agencies to achieve economies
73rd 48 Stat. 16-20 Beer-Wine Revenue Act Mar 22, 1933 Legalize wine, beer, and ale and levy a tax per barrel
73rd 48 Stat. 22-23 Civilian Conservation Corps Mar 31, 1933 Establish the Civilian Conservation Corps to create conservation-related jobs for unemployed citizens
73rd 48 Stat. 31-54 Agricultural Adjustment Act May 12, 1933 Create the Agricultural Adjustment Administration (AAA) control surplus crops to stabilize farm prices
73rd 48 Stat. 55-58 Federal Emergency Relief Act May 12, 1933 Create the Federal Emergency Relief Administration to aid State and local programs providing relief to the poor and hungry
73rd 48 Stat. 58-72 Tennessee Valley Authority May 18, 1933 Establish the Tennessee Valley Authority as an independent public corporation to construct dams and power plants, develop rural electrification plans for flood and erosion control, and build recreation areas in the Tennessee River Valley area
73rd 48 Stat. 74-95 Federal Securities Act May 27, 1933 Establish requirements for the registration of new issue securities with the Federal trade Commission
73rd 48 Stat. 112-113 Gold Standard Repeal Jun 5, 1933 Cancel the gold clause in all Federal and private obligations and provide that all contracts and debts be payable in legal tender
73rd 48 Stat. 113-117 National Employment System Act Jun 6, 1933 Establish a national system of employment services
73rd 48 Stat. 128-135 Home Owners' Loan Act of 1933 Jun 13, 1933 Establish the Home Owners’ Loan Corporation to refinance home mortgage debts for non-farm homeowners
73rd 48 Stat. 162-195 Banking Act of 1933 (Glass-Steagall Act of 1933) Jun 16, 1933 Established the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. to guarantee individual bank deposits, permit branch banking, provide regulatory separation of deposit banking from investment affiliates, and expand the membership of the Federal Reserve System
73rd 48 Stat. 195-211 National Industrial Recovery Act Jun 16, 1933 Establish the National Industrial Recovery Administration; to empower the President to prescribe anti-trust-exempt fair trade codes for industries and to make agreements or approve voluntary agreements; to guarantee the right of working men to organize and bargain collectively through representatives; and to create the Public Works Administration empowered to administer the construction of huge public works projects to stimulate the economy
73rd 48 Stat. 337-344 Gold Reserve Act of 1934 Jan 30, 1934 Authorize the President to set limits for the devaluation of the dollar in relation to its gold content and to impound in the Treasury gold stocks held by the Federal reserve Banks
73rd 48 Stat. 344-349 Farm Mortgage Refinancing Act Jan 31, 1934 Establish the Federal Farm Mortgage Corp. to provide for the refinancing of farm debts on favorable terms
73rd 48 Stat. 456-465 Tydings-McDuffie Philippines Independence Act Mar 24, 1934 Provide for the independence of the Philippine Islands, contingent upon Philippine adoption of a constitution
73rd 48 Stat. 798-803 Municipal Bankruptcy Act May 24, 1934 Establish a uniform U.S. system of bankruptcy
73rd 48 Stat. 881-909 Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Jun 6, 1934 Establish the Securities and Exchange commission empowered to regulate securities and securities markets
73rd 48 Stat. 984-988 Indian Reorganization Act Jun 18, 1934 Prohibit further allotment of Indian lands to individuals, and establish programs to encourage reservation life and develop tribal government
73rd 48 Stat. 1064-1105 Communications Act of 1934 Jun 19, 1934 Establish the Federal Communications Commission empowered to regulate telegraph, cable and radio communications
73rd 48 Stat. 1178-1181 Silver Purchase Act of 1934 Jun 19, 1934 Authorize the President to increase the monetary value of the Treasury’s silver holdings
73rd 48 Stat. 1246-1265 National Housing Act Jun 27, 1934 Create the Federal Housing Administration empowered to insure loans made by banks, trust companies, building and loan associations, and other private lending institutions for new construction, repairs, alterations, and improvements
73rd 48 Stat. 1275-1281 Tobacco Control Act Jun 28, 1934 Authorize a compulsory production quota system for tobacco planters who did not agree to crop reduction

74TH CONGRESS  (JAN 3, 1935 - JUN 20, 1936): ADMINISTRATION OF FRANKLIN ROOSEVELT

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
74th 49 Stat. 163-164 Soil Conservation Act Apr 27, 1935 Establish the Soil Conservation Service within the Department of Agriculture for the control and prevention of soil erosion
74th 49 Stat. 449-457 Wagner-Connery National Labor Relations Act Jul 5, 1935 Create a National Labor Relations Board empowered to determine appropriate collective bargaining units subject to elections supervised at the request of workers, to certify the duly chosen trade union, to receive testimony about unfair employer practices, and to issue cease and desist orders
74th 49 Stat. 543-567 Motor Carrier Act Aug 9, 1935 Authorize the Interstate Commerce Commission to regulate buses engaged in interstate commerce
74th 49 Stat. 620-648 Social Security Act Aug 14, 1935 Create the Social Security Board and establish a national system of social insurance, including old-age pensions
74th 49 Stat. 803-863 Wheeler-Rayburn Public Utility Holding Company Act Aug 26, 1935 Authorize the Federal Power Commission and the Federal Trade Commission to regulate interstate transmission of electric power and gas
74th 49 Stat. 967-974 Wagner-Crosser Railroad Retirement Act Aug 29, 1935 Establish a retirement system for railroad employees
74th 49 Stat. 1014-1028 Revenue Act of 1935 Aug 30, 1935 Increase income and estate tax rates for wealthier individual and corporate taxpayers
74th 49 Stat. 1081-1085 Neutrality Act Aug 31, 1935 Prohibit the export of arms, ammunition, and implements of war to belligerent countries
74th 49 Stat. 1807-1877 Virgin Islands Organic Act Jun 22, 1936 Provide for limited self-government for the Virgin Islands

75TH CONGRESS  (JAN 3, 1937 - JAN 3, 1939): ADMINISTRATION OF FRANKLIN ROOSEVELT

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
75th 50 Stat. 522-533 Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act Jul 22, 1937 Establish a Farm Security Administration to provide low-interest 40-year mortgages to sharecroppers and others who would ordinarily not be able to afford a farm
75th 50 Stat. 693-694 Miller-Tydings Enabling Act Aug 17, 1937 Amend Federal antitrust laws to legalize contracts made by producers or distributors for the resale price maintenance of branded nationally advertised goods traded in interstate commerce in States where such contracts, authorized by State laws, were illegal under existing Federal laws
75th 50 Stat. 888-899 Wagner-Steagall National Housing Act Sep 1, 1937 Create the U.S. Housing Authority within the Department of the Interior, authorized to extend low-interest 60-year loans to local public agencies meeting at least 10 percent of the cost of slum clearance and housing projects, and to grant subsidies for setting rents geared to low-income levels in areas where local agencies provide an amount equal up to 25 percent of the Federal grant
75th 50 Stat. 917-919 Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act (Pittman-Robertson Act) Sep 2, 1937 Provide Federal aid to States for game and non-game wildlife restoration work, and for the development of comprehensive fish and wildlife management plans
75th 52 Stat. 31-77 Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 Feb 16, 1938 Authorize Department of Agriculture to fix a marketing quota whenever it was determined that the surplus of any export arm commodity was great enough to threaten the price level, authorize acreage allotments to each grower after two-thirds of the farmers had by referendum expressed their approval of the marketing quota, and authorize the Government to lend money to farmers against surplus crops and to store these crops until they could be sold in a year when production was down and prices up
75th 52 Stat. 401-403 Naval Expansion Act May 17, 1938 Authorize expansion of the U.S. Navy in order to be able to build a "2-ocean" navy over the ensuing 10 years
75th 52 Stat. 809-821 Work Relief and Public Works Appropriation Act of 1938 Jun 21, 1938 Provide loans and grants for work relief, public building construction projects, and rural electrification
75th 52 Stat. 1040-1059 Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act Jun 25, 1938 Prohibit misbranding of products, and require manufacturers of foods, drugs, and cosmetics to list their ingredients on product labels
75th 52 Stat. 1060-1069 Fair Labor Standards Act Jun 25, 1938 Establish a minimum wage of 25 cents an hour (which was to gradually increase to 40 cents an hour after seven years), and a maximum work week of 44 hours for the first year and 40 hours thereafter

76TH CONGRESS  (JAN 3, 1939 - JAN 3, 1941): ADMINISTRATION OF FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
76th 53 Stat. 1147-1149 Hatch Act Aug 2, 1939 Prohibit Federal employees from using official authority for the purpose of interfering with or affecting the election or the nomination of any candidate for the office of President, Vice President, Presidential elector, Senator, Representative, and Delegate or Commissioner from Territories or insular possessions; from actively participating in political campaigns; and from soliciting or accepting contributions from work relief employees
76th 54 Stat. 4-12 Neutrality Act of 1939 Nov 4, 1939 Repeal the arms embargo clause of the Neutrality Act of 1937 to allow belligerents to purchase armaments in the U.S. providing they pay cash and used their own ships for transportation
76th 54 Stat. 670-676 Alien Registration Act (Smith Act) Jun 28, 1940 Require all foreigners to register and be fingerprinted, and make it unlawful to be a member of any organization that advocates the overthrow of the Government by force or violence
76th 54 Stat. 885-897 Burke-Wadsworth Selective Service Training Act Sep 16, 1940 Provide for the registration of all men between 21 and 35 years of age for military service, and provide for their training over a one-year period

77TH CONGRESS  (JAN 3, 1941 - DEC 16, 1942): ADMINISTRATION OF FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
77th 55 Stat. 31-33 Lend-Lease Act Mar 11, 1941 Enable any country whose defense the President deems vital to the U.S. to receive arms and other equipment and supplies by sale, transfer, exchange, or lease
77th 55 Stat. 764-765 Repeal of Certain Sections of the Neutrality Act of 1939 Nov 17, 1941 Permit U.S. merchant ships to be armed and carry cargoes to warring nations
77th 55 Stat. 795 Declaration of a State of War with Japan Dec 8, 1941 Declare that a state of war exists between the U.S. and Japan, and authorize the deployment of the naval and military forces of the U.S. and the resources of the Government to carry on the war and bring it to a successful termination
77th 55 Stat. 796 Declaration of a State of War with Germany Dec 11, 1941 Declare that a state of war exists between the U.S. and Germany, and authorize the deployment of the naval and military forces of the U.S. and the resources of the Government to carry on the war and bring it to a successful termination
77th 55 Stat. 797 Declaration of a State of War With Italy Dec 11, 1941 Declare that a state of war exists between the U.S. and Italy, and authorize the deployment of the naval and military forces of the U.S. and the resources of the Government to carry on the war and bring it to a successful termination
77th 55 Stat. 838-841 First War Powers Act Dec 18, 1941 Provide the President with authority to redistribute functions, duties, and powers of executive departments, commissions, bureaus, agencies, and governmental corporations, offices, and officers; to enter into contracts without regard to designated provisions of law; and to investigate, regulate, or prohibit any transactions in foreign exchange, coins, or exports
77th 55 Stat. 844-847 New Selective Service Act Dec 20, 1941 Provide that all men between the ages of 18 and 65 must register, and all men from 20 to 45 be subject to military training and service
77th 56 Stat. 23-37 Emergency Price Control Act of 1942 Jan 30, 1942 Establish the Office of Price Administration with power to fix price ceilings on all commodities (except farm products) and to control rents in defense-related areas
77th 56 Stat. 176-187 Second War Powers Act Mar 27, 1942 Authorize the President to allocate materials and facilities as necessary for U.S. defense, and grant additional powers to several Federal agencies
77th 56 Stat. 278-282 Women's Army Auxiliary Corps Act May 14, 1942 Created the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) for noncombatant service with the Army
77th 56 Stat. 1018-1019 Teenage Draft Act Nov 13, 1942 Make 18- and 19-year old males eligible for the draft

78TH CONGRESS  (JAN 6, 1943 - DEC 19, 1944): ADMINISTRATION OF FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
78th 57 Stat. 163-169 Smith-Connally Anti-Strike Act Jun 25, 1943 Broaden the President's power to place firms necessary to the war effort under the control of the Government, make it illegal for a union to strike any war industry, require unions in plants not essential to the war effort to observe a 30-day cooling-off period before they call a strike, and outlaw monetary contributions by unions to political campaigns and candidates
78th 58 Stat. 136-149 Soldier Vote Act Apr 1, 1944 Authorize absentee voting in time of war by members of the armed services
78th 58 Stat. 284-301 Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944 (G.I. Bill) Jun 22, 1944 Authorize the Veterans Administration to assist veterans of World War II in adjusting to the conditions of civilian life through the provision of academic training, Federal loans, employment programs, and medical assistance
78th 58 Stat. 765-784 Surplus Property Act of 1944 Oct 3, 1944 Establish a three-member board to supervise the disposal of surplus Government property through transfer or sale at fair market value, and assign preferences in acquiring such property to other Federal agencies, State and local governments, nonprofit educational institutions, veterans, and small businesses
78th 58 Stat. 785-792 War Mobilization and Reconversion Act Oct 3, 1944 Centralize responsibility for contract settlement, surplus disposal, and redeployment programs in the Office of War Mobilization and Reconversion, and authorize interest-free loans or advances to State and local governments to help finance the planning of public works

79TH CONGRESS  (JAN 3, 1945 - AUG 2, 1946): ADMINISTRATIONS OF FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT AND HARRY S. TRUMAN

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
79th 59 Stat. 512-517 Bretton Woods Agreements Act Jul 31, 1945 Provide for U.S. participation in the International Monetary Fund and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development
79th 59 Stat. 619-621 United Nations Participation Act of 1945 Dec 20, 1945 Provide for appointment of U.S. representatives to the UN
79th 60 Stat. 23-26 Employment Act of 1946 Feb 20, 1946 Establish the President's Council of Economic Advisers and the Joint Economic Committee
79th 60 Stat. 170-180 Federal Airport Act May 13, 1946 Authorize matching Federal grants to cities and States for construction of airports
79th 60 Stat. 230-234 National School Lunch Act of 1946 Jun 4, 1946 Authorize Federal grants to States for non-profit school lunch programs in public and private schools
79th 60 Stat. 535 British Loan Act Jul 15, 1946 Authorized a loan to assist Great Britain in removing trade and currency exchange restrictions hampering post-war programs for economic reconstruction and trade liberalization
79th 60 Stat. 754-755 Fulbright Scholars Act Aug 1, 1946 Establish an international educational and cultural exchange program
79th 60 Stat. 755-775 Atomic Energy Act Aug 1, 1946 Transfer control over all aspects of atomic energy development from the War Department to a five-member civilian Atomic Energy Commission appointed by the President to administer research, production, control, and military application of atomic energy
79th 60 Stat. 812-852 Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 (includes the Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act) Aug 2, 1946 Reduce the number of standing committees from 48 to 19 in the House and from 35 to 15 in the Senate, provide for preparation of an annual legislative budget to complement the President's budget, increase the salaries of Senators and Representatives, and require lobbyists to register and report their lobbying expenses
79th 60 Stat. 1040-1049 Hospital Survey and Construction Act Aug 13, 1946 Authorize a program of matching State and local grants for hospital construction
79th 60 Stat. 1049-1056 Indian Claims Commission Act Aug 13, 1946 Establish an Indian Claims Commission to consider the claims of those Indian tribes who felt they had received unfair treatment in land transactions with the Federal government

80TH CONGRESS  (JAN 3, 1947 - DEC 31, 1948): ADMINISTRATION OF HARRY S. TRUMAN

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
80th 61 Stat. 103-105 Greek-Turkish Aid Act May 22, 1947 Provide financial and military aid to the governments of Greece and Turkey, both of which were then engaged in defending heavy Soviet encroachments
80th 61 Stat. 125-128 Foreign Relief Act May 31, 1947 Provide economic assistance to several countries, including Austria, Hungary, Greece, Italy, Poland, Trieste, and China, damaged by the effects of World War II and the severe winter of 1946-1947
80th 61 Stat. 136-162 Taft-Hartley Labor-Management Relations Act Jun 23, 1947 Prohibit closed shops, jurisdictional strikes, and secondary boycotts; provide for a 60-day moratorium before a strike can be called against industries engaged in interstate commerce; require that union finances be made public; prohibit unions from contributing to political campaigns; and prohibit Communists from holding union offices
80th 61 Stat. 380-381 Presidential Succession Act Jul 18, 1947 Change the order of succession in the event of the death of the President of the United States, making the Speaker of the House of Representatives and then the President pro tempore of the Senate next in the line of succession to the Presidency after the Vice President
80th 61 Stat. 397 Trusteeship Agreement for the Territory of the Pacific Islands July, 18, 1947 Authorize the President to approve a trusteeship agreement between the U.S. and the UN Security Council, placing Micronesia in the international trustee system
80th 61 Stat. 495-510 National Security Act Jul 26, 1947 Replace the War and Navy Departments with a National Military Establishment consisting of separately administered Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force under the general direction, authority, and control of a Secretary of Defense; designate the Joint Chiefs of Staff as the principal military advisers to the President and the Secretary; and establish the Central Intelligence Agency and the National Security Council
80th 62 Stat. 6-14 U.S. Information and Education Exchange Act (Smith-Mundt Act) Jan 27, 1948 Establish an information service, including the Voice of America within the State Department to disseminate information about the U.S.; and create an educational exchange service to cooperate with other nations in exchanging people, knowledge, and skills
80th 62 Stat. 137-159 Economic Cooperation Act of 1948 (Marshall Plan) Apr 3, 1948 Create a European Recovery Program and establish the Economic Cooperation Administration to provide economic assistance to 16 European countries

81ST CONGRESS  (FEB 3, 1949 - JAN 2, 1951): ADMINISTRATION OF HARRY S. TRUMAN

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
81st 63 Stat. 413-444 Housing Act of 1949 Jul 15, 1949 Establish a national housing objective and authorize Federal aid for slum-clearance, low-rent public housing projects, and construction of decent, safe, and sanitary farm dwellings
81st 63 Stat. 578-592 National Security Act Amendments of 1949 Aug 10, 1949 Rename and reorganize the National Military Defense Establishment to create an executive Department of Defense
81st 63 Stat. 714-721 Mutual Defense Assistance Act of 1949 Oct 6, 1949 Provide for U.S. participation in NATO, and extend provisions of the Marshall Plan
81st 63 Stat. 910-920 Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1949 Oct 26, 1949 Raise the minimum wage and revise various fair labor standards
81st 64 Stat. 149-157 National Science Foundation Act May 10, 1950 Establish the National Science Foundation, authorized and directed to develop and encourage the pursuit of a national policy for the promotion of scientific research and education of future scientists
81st 64 Stat. 198-210 Foreign Economic Assistance Act of 1950 Jun 5, 1950 Authorize various foreign aid programs, including the Point IV program providing for technical assistance and capital investments in less developed countries
81st 64 Stat. 384-393 Organic Act of Guam Aug 1, 1950 Grant U.S. citizenship to the inhabitants of Guam and provide Guam with a system of local self-government
81st 64 Stat. 430-443 Federal Aid in Fish Restoration Act (Dingell-Johnson Act) Aug 9, 1950 Provide Federal aid to States for management and restoration of fish with sport or recreation value in the marine or fresh waters of the U.S.
81st 64 Stat. 477-561 Social Security Amendments of 1950 Aug 28, 1950 Extend and improve the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance System and revise the public assistance and child welfare provisions of the Social Security Act
81st 64 Stat. 987-1031 McCarran Internal Security Act of 1950 (including the Subversive Activities Control Act of 1950 and the Emergency detention Act of 1950) Sep 23, 1950 Establish the Subversive Activities Control Board to rule on petitions of U.S. Attorney General to list organizations believed to be Communist and require that they register with the Justice Department and submit information concerning membership, finances and activities; require registration of Communist and Communist-front organization members; provide for the internment of Communists during national emergencies, and prohibit employment of Communists in national defense work; and prohibit from entry into the U.S. anyone who has been a member of a totalitarian party

82ND CONGRESS  (JAN 3, 1951 - JUL 7, 1952): ADMINISTRATION OF HARRY S. TRUMAN

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
82nd 65 Stat. 69-71 India Emergency Food Aid Act Jun 15, 1951 Authorize the President to provide loans to famine-stricken India for the purchase of U.S. grain
82nd 65 Stat. 644-647 Mutual Defense Assistance Control Act of 1951 Oct 26, 1951 Provide for mandatory termination of aid to any country found to be shipping arms or munitions to Soviet-dominated areas
82nd 66 Stat. 141-151 Mutual Security Act of 1952 Jun 20, 1952 Extend military and economic assistance to non-Communist countries in Near East, Africa, Asia and the Pacific, and Latin America
82nd 66 Stat. 163-282 McCarran-Walter Immigration and Nationality Act Jun 27, 1952 Continue the national origins quota system, but eliminate the exclusion of Asians; and tighten provisions for the exclusion of aliens believed to be dangerous to the U.S.
82nd 66 Stat. 327-328 Approval of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Jul 3, 1952 Provide for approval of the new constitution drafted by Puerto Rico and elevate the status of the island to the status of a free commonwealth voluntarily associated with the U.S.
82nd 66 Stat. 663-691 Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1952 (G.I. Bill of Rights) Jul 16, 1952 Provide veterans of the Korean War with home, farm, and business loan benefits, mustering out payments, and educational and vocational assistance
82nd 66 Stat. 692-710 Federal Coal Mine Safety Act Amendments Jul 16, 1952 Authorize the Bureau of Mines to order unsafe mines with 15 or more employees that are threatened with imminent disaster from fire, explosion, flooding, or cave-in to shut down until made safe

83RD CONGRESS  (JAN 3, 1953 - DEC 2, 1954): ADMINISTRATION OF DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
83rd 67 Stat. 631-632 Department of Health, Education, and Welfare Apr 11, 1953 Establish the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, and include the Social Security Administration, the Office of Education, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation within the new department
83rd 67 Stat. 29-33 Submerged Lands ("Tidelands") Act May 22, 1953 Confirm and establish that the U.S. owns the submerged lands in the sea off its borders and the mineral resources of such lands, and confirm the jurisdiction and control of the Federal Government over the natural resources of the seabed beyond the submerged lands as far as the edge of the continental shelf
83rd 67 Stat. 230-240 Small Business Administration Act Jul 30, 1953 Dissolve the Reconstruction Finance Corp. and establish as a successor organization, the Small Business Administration
83rd 67 Stat. 390-400 Farm Credit Act of 1953 Aug 6, 1953 Remove the Farm Credit Administration from the Agriculture Department and make it an independent agency, to be governed by a 13-member Farm Credit Board
83rd 67 Stat. 400-407 Refugee Relief Act of 1953 Aug 7, 1953 Authorize the admission to the U.S. of 209,000 refugees not provided for by the regular quotas
83rd 67 Stat. 462-471 Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act Aug 7, 1953 Provide for U.S. jurisdiction over the submerged lands of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands, and authorize the leasing of such lands by the Department of the Interior
83rd 68 Stat. 92-97 St. Lawrence Seaway Act of 1954 May 13, 1954 Establish, in conjunction with the Government of Canada, the St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corp. for the purpose of constructing the St. Lawrence Seaway at the mutual expense and for the mutual use of Canada and the U.S.
83rd 68 Stat. 454-459 Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 Jul 10, 1954 Provide for the sale of surplus U.S. agricultural commodities to friendly foreign nations
83rd 86 Stat. 497-510 Revised Organic Act of the Virgin Islands Jul 22, 1954 Reorganize the local government of the Virgin Islands
83rd 68 Stat. 590-648 Housing Act of 1954 Aug 2, 1954 Authorize the construction of public housing units to serve families displaced by urban development, and revise various housing assistance programs
83rd 68A Stat. 1-928 Internal Revenue Code of 1954 Aug 16, 1954 Revise tax treatment of individuals and businesses
83rd 68 Stat. 775-780 Communist Control Act of 1954 Aug 24, 1954 Outlaw the Communist party in the U.S and prohibit members of Communist organizations from serving in certain representative capacities
83rd 68 Stat. 919-961 Atomic Energy Act of 1954 Aug 30, 1954 Establish incentives to promote private ownership and development of atomic power, and authorize U.S. cooperation with friendly nations in development of peaceful uses of atomic power

84TH CONGRESS  (JAN 5, 1955 - JUL 27, 1956): ADMINISTRATION OF DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
84th 69 Stat. 7 Formosa and Pescadores Defense Act Jan 29, 1955 Authorize the President to employ the Armed Forces of the U.S. to protect Formosa and the Pescadores from a possible Communist Chinese attack
84th 69 Stat. 711-712 Fair Labor Standards Act Amendments of 1955 Aug 12, 1955 Raise the minimum wage
84th 70 Stat. 105-111 Upper Colorado River Project Apr 11, 1956 Authorize the Bureau of Reclamation to construct four major dams and 11 small irrigation projects
84th 70 Stat. 188-213 Agricultural Act of 1956 May 28, 1956 Establish a soil bank program to retire land from production to reduce agricultural surpluses, and pay farmers to reduce crop acreage for corn, wheat, peanuts, cotton, tobacco, and rice
84th 70 Stat. 374-402 Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 Jun 29, 1956 Authorize construction of a 41,000-mile interstate superhighway
84th 70 Stat. 498-507 Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1956 Jul 9, 1956 Provide grants to States and localities for pollution control programs

85TH CONGRESS  (JAN 3, 1957 - AUG 24, 1958): ADMINISTRATION OF DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
85th 71 Stat. 5-6 Middle East Resolution Mar 9, 1957 Authorize the President to cooperate with and assist any nation or group of nations in the Middle East desiring assistance in developing economic and military strength dedicated to the maintenance of national independence and protection against armed aggression from a Communist-dominated country
85th 71 Stat. 453-456 International Atomic Energy Participation Act of 1957 Aug 28, 1957 Provide for the appointment of U.S. representatives in the subsidiary bodies of the International Atomic Energy Agency
85th 71 Stat. 634-638 Civil Rights Act of 1957 Sep 9, 1957 Create the Commission on Civil Rights, establish a Civil Rights Division in the Department of Justice, and empower the Attorney General to seek court injunctions against obstruction and deprivation of voting rights
85th 72 Stat. 89-96 Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1958 Apr 16, 1958 Authorize funding for a Federal road-building program
85th 72 Stat. 238-241 Outdoor Recreation Resources Review Act Jun 28, 1958 Establish the Outdoor Recreation Resources Review Commission to study the current status and needs of outdoor recreation resources
85th 72 Stat. 339-352 Admission of the State of Alaska to the Union Jul 7, 1958 Provide for the formal acceptance of the constitution of the State of Alaska
85th 72 Stat. 426-438 National Aeronautic and Space Act of 1958 Jul 29, 1958 Create a new civilian agency, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, direct scientific activities relating to all non-military aspects of outer space

86TH CONGRESS  (JAN 7, 1959 - SEP 1, 1960): ADMINISTRATION OF DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
86th 73 Stat. 4-13 Admission of the State of Hawaii to the Union Mar 18, 1959 Provide for the formal ratification of the Hawaii State constitution
86th 73 Stat. 519-546 Landrum-Griffin Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 Sep 14, 1959 Provide a "Bill of Rights" for union members which includes a guarantee that they will have "equal rights and privileges" to nominate candidates, vote for union officials, participate in union meetings and caucus with other members under "reasonable rules and regulations" established by the union
86th 73 Stat. 708-717 Federal Employees Health Benefits Act of 1959 Sep 28, 1959 Establish a prepaid, voluntary health insurance plan for Federal employees and their families
86th 74 Stat. 86-92 Civil Rights Act of 1960 May 6, 1960 Authorize Judges to appoint referees empowered to assist persons experiencing opposition in the exercise of their right to vote, and provide criminal penalties for bombing, bomb-threats, and mob action designed to obstruct court orders
86th 74 Stat. 215 National Forests Multiple Use-Sustained Yield Act Jun 12, 1960 Establish a formal policy that the national forests should be administered under the principles of multiple use and sustained yield with the objective of developing five basic resources: outdoor recreation resources, range resources, timber resources, watershed resources, and fish and wildlife resources

87TH CONGRESS  (JAN 3, 1961 - OCT 13, 1962): ADMINISTRATION OF JOHN F. KENNEDY

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
87th 75 Stat. 612-627 Peace Corps Act of 1961 Sep 22, 1961 Grant "permanent legislative authority" to the Peace Corps, established by executive authority in March 1961 to enlist young Americans as technological instructors and helpers in the less-developed countries
87th 75 Stat. 631-639 Arms Control and Disarmament Act Sep 26, 1981 Establish an independent U.S. Arms Control and Disarmament Agency to conduct research, prepare policy recommendations, conduct disarmament negotiations, and plan for establishment of inspection and control systems
87th 76 Stat. 23-33 Manpower Development and Training Act of 1962 Mar 15, 1962 Authorize a new Federal worker training program to help alleviate unemployment and increase the supply of skilled personnel in certain industries
87th 76 Stat. 172-208 Public Welfare Amendments of 1962 Jul 25, 1962 Broaden welfare aid to those people considered to be the most needy, while undertaking a campaign to reduce the need for aid through programs of rehabilitation, training, and self-care
87th 76 Stat. 255-263 Foreign Assistance Act of 1962 Aug 1, 1962 Prohibit aid to Communist nations, countries providing items of strategic value to Cuba, and countries which permit ships under their registry to carry economic aid to Cuba, unless the President determines, among other things, that such aid was vital to U.S. security
87th 76 Stat. 419-427 Communications Satellite Act of 1962 Aug 31, 1962 Authorize the President to establish the Communications Satellite Corporation as a private commercial communication system, and to arrange for an initial stock offering
87th 76 Stat. 541-544 Public Works Acceleration Act Sep 14, 1962 Authorize acceleration of job-creating Federal and local public works projects in areas with long-term high unemployment
87th 76 Stat. 695-696 United Nations Loan Oct 2, 1962 Authorize a loan to the UN, and provide that the U.S. should use every effort to promote a pattern of UN financing that would avoid future large-scale funding problems

88TH CONGRESS  (JAN 9, 1963 - OCT 3, 1964): ADMINISTRATIONS OF JOHN F. KENNEDY AND LYNDON B. JOHNSON

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
88th 77 Stat. 56-57 Equal Pay Act of 1963 Jun 10, 1963 Provide that no employer subject to the Federal Labor Standards Act may discriminate on the basis of sex in payment of wages for jobs requiring equal skill, effort and responsibility
88th 78 Stat. 19-146 Revenue Act of 1964 Feb 26, 1964 Reduce individual and corporate tax rates
88th 78 Stat. 241-268 Civil Rights Act of 1964 Jul 2, 1964 Expand Federal powers to protect voting rights
88th 78 Stat. 302-308 Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 Jul 9, 1964 Authorize the Housing and Home Finance Agency to make grants and loans to States and localities for acquiring, constructing and improving facilities and equipment for mass transportation systems owned, operated, leased, or otherwise used by a public transportation authority
88th 78 Stat. 384 Tonkin Gulf Resolution Aug 10, 1964 Declare support for "the determination of the President, as Commander-in-Chief, to take all necessary measures to repel any armed attack against the forces of the United States and to prevent further aggression in Vietnam"
88th 78 Stat. 400-435 Government Employees Salary Reform Act of 1964 Aug 14, 1964 Authorize salary increases for Federal employees in legislative, executive, and judicial branches
88th 78 Stat. 508-534 Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 Aug 20, 1964 Authorize Office of Economic Opportunity programs to address the multiple causes of poverty, including illiteracy, unemployment and lack of public services
88th 78 Stat. 703-709 Food Stamp Act of 1964 Aug 31, 1964 Establish the food stamp program to provide food assistance to low-income families
88th 78 Stat. 890-896 Wilderness Act of 1964 Sep 3, 1964 Establish a National Wilderness Preservation System for land, water, mineral, and wildlife conservation purposes

89TH CONGRESS  (JAN 4, 1965 - OCT 22, 1966): ADMINISTRATION OF LYNDON B. JOHNSON

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
89th 79 Stat. 5-23 Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965 Mar 9, 1965 Authorize development of the economically depressed 12-State Appalachian region
89th 79 Stat. 27-58 Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 Apr 11, 1965 Authorize elementary and secondary school assistance programs
89th 79 Stat. 218-226 Older Americans Act Jul 14, 1965 Authorize grant programs to assist the elderly and establish the Administration on Aging within the Department of Health, Education and Welfare
89th 79 Stat. 226-236 Drug Abuse Control Amendments of 1965 July15, 1965 Expand Federal control over depressant and stimulant drugs to reduce illegal distribution and use of barbiturates and drugs affecting the central nervous system or producing hallucinogenic effects
89th 79 Stat. 136-170 Excise Tax Reduction Act of 1965 Jun 21, 1965 Repeal various excise taxes
89th 79 Stat. 286-343; 79 Stat. 343-353 Social Security Amendments of 1965 (Medicare for the Aged and Medicaid for the Medically Needy) Jul 30, 1965 Establish a hospital insurance program for the elderly, and a medical care program for the indigent
89th 79 Stat. 437-446 Voting Rights Act of 1965 Aug 6, 1965 Provide for direct Federal action to enable black Americans to register and vote, prohibit the use of literacy tests or similar voter qualification devices, and establish criminal penalties for interference with voter rights
89th 79 Stat. 451-509 Housing and Urban Development Act of 1965 Aug 10, 1965 Authorize various housing and urban development programs, provide rent supplements for low-income families, and provide grants to localities for urban beautification and improvement programs
89th 79 Stat. 580-581 President and Vice President Assassination Penalties Aug 28, 1965 Establish Federal criminal penalties for killing, kidnapping or assaulting the President or any other Federal official
89th 79 Stat. 667-671 Department of Housing and Urban Development Act Sep 9 1965 Establish a Cabinet level Department of Housing and Urban Development
89th 79 Stat. 845-855 National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act of 1965 Sep 29, 1965 Establish a National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities consisting of two autonomous subdivisions, a National Endowment for the Arts and a National Endowment for the Humanities
89th 79 Stat. 893-895 High-Speed Ground Transportation Act Sep 30, 1965 Authorize the Department of Commerce to undertake research, development, and demonstration programs for high-speed ground transportation
89th 79 Stat. 903-910 Water Quality Act of 1965 Oct 2, 1965 Require the States to establish and enforce water quality standards for all interstate waters within their boundaries and establish a Federal Water Pollution Control Administration
89th 79 Stat. 1028-1033 Highway Beautification Act of 1965 Oct 22, 1965 Authorize a new program for the scenic development and beautification of the Federal-aid highway system
89th 79 Stat. 1219-1270 Higher Education Act of 1965 Nov 8, 1965 Authorize college aid programs for poor and middle-class students, and establish the National Teachers Corps to improve elementary and secondary education in urban and rural areas
89th 80 Stat. 250-251 Freedom of Information Act Jul 4, 1966 Require Federal Government to make available to citizens, upon request, all documents and records except those exempted for various reasons, including national security
89th 80 Stat. 731-737 Highway Safety Act of 1966 Sep 9, 1966 Require that each State establish a highway safety program in accordance with uniform government standards
89th 80 Stat. 830-845 Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1966 Sep 23, 1966 Broaden Federal minimum wage and overtime pay protection and increase the minimum wage
89th 80 Stat. 926-930 National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act Oct 15, 1966 Direct the Department of Interior to take actions to protect endangered species of fish and wildlife
89th 80 Stat. 931-950 Department of Transportation Act Oct 15, 1966 Establish the Department of Transportation as a Cabinet level department

90TH CONGRESS  (JAN 10, 1967 - OCT 14, 1968): ADMINISTRATION OF LYNDON B. JOHNSON

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
90th 81 Stat. 365-373 Public Broadcasting Act of 1967 Nov 7, 1967 Establish a public corporation to provide financial assistance for noncommercial educational television and radio broadcasting
90th 81 Stat. 445-463 Foreign Assistance Act of 1967 Nov 14, 1967 Reduce foreign aid, restrict the President's authority to conduct foreign policy, and prohibit all aid to countries which trade with North Vietnam
90th 81 Stat. 485-507 Air Quality Control Act of 1967 Nov 21, 1967 Expand Federal responsibility for air pollution control, provide for the establishment of Federal interstate air quality planning agencies, and establish the President's Air Quality Advisory Board
90th 81 Stat. 613-648 Postal Revenue and Federal Salary Act of 1967 Dec 16, 1967 Increase postal rates on all classes of mail, increase Federal employee salaries, and provide for automatic future pay increases for Federal employees
90th 81 Stat. 649-655 Military Pay Bill of 1967 Dec 16, 1967 Increase the monthly pay of servicemen
90th 82 Stat. 73-92 Civil Rights Act of 1968 Apr 11, 1968 Prohibit discrimination in the sale or rental housing; and provide criminal penalties for injuring or interfering with an individual's right to vote, to serve on a jury, to participate in government and government-aided programs, to work, to attend school, and to enjoy public accommodations
90th 82 Stat. 146-167 Consumer Credit Protection Act (Truth in Lending Act) May 29, 1968 Require that buyers be told the cost of loans and installment purchase plans in terms of annual rate calculated under certain specified procedures, and the total cost in dollars; and establish a National Commission on Consumer Finance
90th 82 Stat. 197-239 Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 Jun 19, 1968 Establish the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration within the Justice Department to administer grant programs for training, education, research, and demonstration projects; and authorize law enforcement assistance grants
90th 82 Stat. 251-274 Revenue and Expenditures Control Act of 1968 Jun 28, 1968 Impose a 10 percent surcharge on personal and corporate income taxes
90th 82 Stat. 297-306 Vocational Rehabilitation Amendments of 1968 Jul 7, 1968 Enlarge the scope of vocational education to permit assistance to disadvantaged, as well as physically and mentally handicapped persons
90th 82 Stat. 462-474 Juvenile Delinquency Prevention and Control Act Jul 31, 1968 Authorize block grants for prevention of juvenile delinquency and rehabilitation of young offenders
90th 82 Stat. 837-842 Virgin Island Elective Governor Act Aug 23, 1968 Provide for the popular election of the governor and lieutenant governor of the Virgin Islands
90th 82 Stat. 842-843 Guam Elective Governor Act Sep 11, 1968 Provide for the popular election of the governor and lieutenant governor of Guam
90th 82 Stat. 885-901 Colorado River Basin Project Act Sep 30, 1968 Authorize the construction, operation, and maintenance of the Central Arizona Project and related water projects on the Colorado River
90th 82 Stat. 906-918 Wild and Scenic Rivers Act Oct 2, 1968 Establish a National Wild and Scenic Rivers System to preserve outstanding stretches of rivers from incompatible water resource development, pollution, or commercialization
90th 82 Stat. 919-926 National Trails System Act Oct 2, 1968 Establish a nationwide system of scenic trails, recreational trails, and side trails
90th 82 Stat. 1213-1236 Gun Control Act of 1968 Oct 22, 1968 Ban most interstate shipments of long guns to individuals; prohibit individuals with few exceptions from buying guns except in their own States; prohibit sale of rifles, shotguns or ammunition to persons under 18; prohibit sales of handguns or handgun ammunition to persons under 21 years of age; and prohibit importation of foreign-made military surplus firearms

91ST CONGRESS  (JAN 3, 1969 - JAN 2, 1971): ADMINISTRATIONS OF LYNDON B. JOHNSON AND RICHARD M. NIXON

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
91st 83 Stat. 187-190 Child Protection and Toy Safety Act of 1969 Nov 6, 1969 Provide a one-step regulation process for prohibiting the sale of children's articles and toys which present electrical, mechanical, or thermal hazards
91st 83 Stat. 487-742 Tax Reform Act of 1969 Dec 30, 1969 Revise personal and corporate income tax system
91st 83 Stat. 852-856 National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 Jan 1, 1970 Establish Council on Environmental Quality
91st 84 Stat. 91-115 Federal Water Quality Improvement Act of 1970 Apr 3, 1970 Establish procedures and liability for clean-up of oil spills, place new controls on vessel discharge of sewage, strengthen restrictions on thermal pollution from nuclear power plants, order development of criteria covering the effect of pesticides in streams, rivers, and other waters, and establish an Office of Environmental Quality
91st 84 Stat. 219-253 Airport and Airway Development Act of 1970 May 21, 1970 Provide aid for aviation facilities, and authorize a new program for expansion of airport and airway systems
91st 84 Stat. 466-467 Newspaper Preservation Act Jul 24, 1970 Exempt from antitrust laws certain combinations and arrangements necessary for the survival of failing newspapers
91st 84 Stat. 719-787 Postal Reorganization Act Aug 12, 1970 Reorganize the Post Office Department and the U.S. Postal Service into an independent agency, the U.S. Postal Service
91st 84 Stat. 922-962 Organized Crime Control Act Oct 15, 1970 Strengthen tools to facilitate law enforcement involving organized crime
91st 84 Stat. 1140-1204 Legislative Reorganization Act of 1970 Oct 26, 1970 Revise Senate and House committee procedures, and re-designate Legislative Reference Service as Congressional Research Service and redefine its duties
91st 84 Stat. 1236-1296 Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 Oct 27, 1970 Expand programs for drug abuse rehabilitation, treatment and education, and unify and revise Federal narcotics laws
91st 84 Stat. 1327-1342 Rail Passenger Service Act of 1970 Oct 30, 1970 Provide financial assistance for establishment of the National Railroad Passenger Corp. as a semipublic corporation
91st 84 Stat. 1358-1384 Agriculture Act of 1970 Nov 30, 1970 Establish price support programs for dairy products, wool, wheat, feed grains and cotton
91st 84 Stat. 1590-1620 Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 Dec 29, 1970 Provide Department of Labor with authority to set and enforce safety standards for the protection of workers
91st 84 Stat. 1636-1657 Securities Investor Protection Act of 1970 Dec 30, 1970 Establish a private nonprofit Securities Investor Protection Corp. to oversee activities of registered brokers and dealers and members of national securities exchanges, and create an insurance fund to protect investors against certain losses when brokers become insolvent
91st 84 Stat. 1676-1713 Clean Air Amendments of 1970 Dec 31, 1970 Establish specific deadlines for 90 percent reduction of certain pollutants from new automobiles, provide for new research programs, establish national air quality standards, fuel limitations, and standards for new stationary sources of pollution
91st 84 Stat. 2086-2089 Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970 Dec 2, 1970 Consolidate all major programs to combat pollution in a single independent Environmental Protection Agency
91st 84 Stat. 2090-2093 Reorganization Plan No. 4 of 1970 Oct 3, 1970 Create a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in the Commerce Department

92ND CONGRESS  (JAN 21, 1971 - OCT 18, 1962): ADMINISTRATION OF RICHARD M. NIXON

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
92nd 85 Stat. 178-182 Emergency Loan Guarantee Act Aug 9, 1971 Authorize a Federal guarantee of up to $250 million in bank loans for the Lockheed Aircraft Corp.
92nd 85 Stat. 688 Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act Dec 18, 1971 Settle aboriginal claims of Alaskan Indians, Aleut, and Eskimo populations
92nd 85 Stat. 743-755 Economic Stabilization Act Amendments of 1971 Dec 22, 1971 Extend the President's authority to control wages, salaries, prices, and rents, and broaden the President's stabilization powers to include control of interest rates, finance charges, and corporate dividends
92nd 86 Stat. 3-20 Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 Feb 7, 1972 Place a ceiling on the amount of money a candidate for President, Vice President, the House, or the Senate may spend for radio and television time and other forms of political advertising, and require full disclosure of campaign contributions and expenditures; and restrict candidates to a maximum of 10 cents per eligible voter, or $50,000, whichever is greater, for all forms of media advertising
92nd 86 Stat. 1052-1063 Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 Oct 23, 1972 Ban unregulated dumping of waste materials into the oceans and coastal waters, and ban ocean dumping under any circumstances of radiological, chemical or biological warfare agents or high-level radioactive water
92nd 80 Stat. 1207-1233 Consumer Product Safety Act Oct 27, 1972 Create an independent Consumer Product Safety Commission authorized to set standards for a wide variety of consumer products
92nd 86 Stat. 1234-1250 Noise Control Act of 1972 Oct 27, 1972 Authorize the Federal Government to set standards limiting certain commercial sources of noise
92nd 86 Stat. 1280-1289 Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 Oct 27, 1972 Establish a national program for the management and protection of U.S. coastal waters and adjacent shoreline

93RD CONGRESS  (JAN 3, 1973 - DEC 20, 1974): ADMINISTRATIONS OF RICHARD M. NIXON AND GERALD R. FORD

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
93rd 87 Stat. 555-560 War Powers Resolution Nov 7, 1973 Limit the President's powers to commit U.S. forces abroad without congressional approval
93rd 87 Stat. 584-588 Trans-Alaska Pipeline Authorization Act Nov 16, 1973 Direct the Department of Interior to authorize the construction of a 789-mile pipeline connecting the North Shore of Alaska with the port of Valdes
93rd 87 Stat. 884-903 Endangered Species Act of 1973 Dec 28, 1973 Extend Federal authority to species "threatened" with extinction, in addition to those in immediate danger of becoming extinct
93rd 88 Stat. 55-76 Fair Labor Standard Amendments of 1974 Apr 8, 1974 Increase the hourly minimum wage
93rd 88 Stat. 297-339 Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 Jul 12, 1974 Establish House and Senate Budget Committees to study the President's budget and recommend changes in fiscal policy and spending priorities, create a Congressional Budget Office to assist the Budget Committees in studying budget information; and define procedures to provide for more congressional control over the impoundment of funds by the executive branch
93rd 88 Stat. 378-390 Legal Services Corporation Act of 1974 Jul 25, 1974 Transfer the legal services program from the Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) to an independent Legal Services Corp., authorized to provide legal assistance to the poor in non-criminal proceedings
93rd 88 Stat. 829-1035 Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 Sep 2, 1974 Establish minimum Federal standards for private pension plans
93rd 88 Stat. 1233-1254 Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 Oct 11, 1974 Create a new Energy Research and Development Administration to direct Federal research into the better use of existing fuels and the development of new sources of energy
93rd 88 Stat. 1845-1855 Emergency Jobs and Unemployment Assistance Act of 1974 Dec 31, 1974 Establish an emergency program of public service jobs in State and local governments and provide unemployment insurance coverage to nearly 12 million persons not otherwise eligible
93rd 88 Stat. 1869-1872 Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act of 1974 Dec 31, 1974 Authorize an extra 13 weeks of unemployment compensation for workers who exhaust their unemployment benefits
93rd 88 Stat. 1978-2076 Trade Act of 1974 Jan 3, 1975 Provide the President with broad authority to enter into trade agreements with other countries for the purpose of harmonizing, reducing or eliminating tariff and non-tariff trade barriers

94TH CONGRESS  (JAN 14, 1975 - OCT 1, 1976): ADMINISTRATION OF GERALD R. FORD

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
94th 89 Stat. 26-67 Tax Reduction Act of 1975 Mar 29, 1975 Reduce individual and corporate taxes
94th 89 Stat. 89 Cambodian and Vietnamese Refugees Special Assistance Appropriation May 23, 1975 Appropriated funds for the resettlement of refugees from Cambodia and Vietnam
94th 89 Stat. 773-796 Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975 Nov 29, 1975 Require States to provide a free, adequate education to all handicapped children
94th 89 Stat. 871-969 Energy Policy and Conservation Act Dec 22, 1975 Establish a national energy policy designed to maximize domestic production of energy and provide for strategic storage reserves of oil and petroleum products; minimize the impact of disruptions in energy supplies by providing for emergency standby measures; provide for a level of domestic oil prices which would both encourage production and not impede economic recovery; and reduce domestic energy consumption through voluntary and mandatory energy conservation plans.
94th 89 Stat. 1007-1012 Metric Conversion Act of 1975 Dec 23, 1975 Establish a national policy of U.S. metric conversion and a 17-member U.S. Metric Conversion Board to assist and coordinate the voluntary conversion to the metric system of weights and measurement in the U.S.
94th 90 Stat. 251-255 Equal Credit Opportunity Act Amendments of 1976 Mar 23, 1976 Prohibit credit discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion or national origin
94th 90 Stat. 263-279 Covenant to Establish a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in Political Union with the U.S. Mar 24, 1976 Grant commonwealth status to the Northern Mariana Islands in the Pacific
94th 90 Stat. 331-361 Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976 Apr 13, 1976 Extend existing 12-mile exclusive U.S. fishing zone off the Nation's coasts to 200 miles
94th 90 Stat. 459-473 National Science and Technology Policy, Organization, and Priorities Act of 1976 May 11, 1976 Establish an Office of Science and Technology Policy in the Executive Office of the President
94th 90 Stat. 729-769 International Security Assistance and Arms Export Control Act of 1976 Jun 30, 1976 Authorize congressional oversight of commercial sales of major U.S. military weapons and equipment abroad
94th 90 Stat. 1013-1033 Coastal Zone Management Act Amendments of 1976 Jul 26, 1976 Authorize Federal aid to coastal cities, to assist them in dealing with the effects of offshore gas and oil development
94th 90 Stat. 1125-1169 Energy Conservation and Production Act Aug 14, 1976 Establish energy conservation standards for new buildings, a low-income family weatherization program, a loan guarantee program for commercial and industrial buildings, and a financial incentive experimentation program for existing residential buildings
94th 90 Stat. 1241-1248 Government in the Sunshine Act Sep 13, 1976 Open the meetings of collegial or multi-member Government agencies to public scrutiny "where such deliberations determine or result in the joint conduct or disposition of official agency business"
94th 90 Stat. 1520-1933. Tax Reform Act of 1976 Oct 4, 1976 Revise various tax laws
94th 90 Stat. 2541-2602 Copyright Law Revision of 1976 Oct 19, 1976 Provide for a general revision of copyright law
94th 90 Stat. 2662-2666 Payment in Lieu of Taxes Act Oct 20, 1976 Provide for annual Federal payments to local governments to compensate for tax revenues lost because of tax-exempt Federal lands within their boundaries
94th 90 Stat. 2949-2963 National Forest Management Act of 1976 Oct 22, 1976 Give congressional sanction to the practice of clear-cutting in national forests under Federal guidelines and revise Federal forest management policy

95TH CONGRESS  (JAN 4, 1977 - OCT 15, 1978): ADMINISTRATIONS OF GERALD R. FORD AND JAMES E. CARTER

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
95th 91 Stat. 126-168 Tax Reduction and Simplification Act of 1977 May 23, 1977 Revise various tax laws
95th 91 Stat. 445-532 Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 Aug 3, 1977 Establish an Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement within the Interior Department
95th 91 Stat. 565-613 Department of Energy Organization Act Aug 4, 1977 Establish a Cabinet level Department of Energy and transfer all the functions of the Federal Energy Administration, the Energy Research and Development Administration, and the Federal Power Commission to the new department
95th 91 Stat. 1223-1225 Indochinese Refugees. Permanent Residence Status, Adjustment and Refugee Assistance Extension Oct 28, 1977 Provide an opportunity for Indochinese refugees who fled to the U.S. after the Communist takeover of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia and resided here for two years to apply for permanent resident alien status, the prelude to naturalized citizenship
95th 91 Stat. 1245-1253 Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1977 Nov 1, 1977 Raise the Federal minimum wage rate
95th 92 Stat. 189-193 Age Discrimination in Employment Act Amendments of 1978 Apr 6, 1978 Raise the permissible mandatory retirement age for most non-Federal workers from 65 to 70
95th 92 Stat. 819-842 Federal Pesticide Act of 1978 Sep 30, 1978 Authorize Environmental Protection Agency to simplify registration of pesticides, and provide the public with access to information about the effect of a pesticide on human health and environment
95th 92 Stat. 1111-1227 Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 Oct 13, 1978 Reorganize the Civil Service Commission to create a Senior Executive Service for top Federal employees, a merit pay system for middle-level management, increased management flexibility in firing incompetent employees, and statutory labor rights for Federal workers
95th 92 Stat. 1471-1493 Port and Tanker Safety Act of 1978 Oct 17, 1978 Authorize the Secretary of Transportation to require each vessel operating in U.S. waters to have a federally licensed pilot, and bar vessels carrying oil or other hazardous material from operating in U.S. waters or transferring cargo in any U.S port unless they meet certain requirements
95th 92 Stat. 1685-1692 Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 Oct 21, 1978 Authorize Department of Agriculture to establish U.S. Agricultural Trade Offices abroad with the sole responsibility of expanding the export of U.S. commodities, and to establish a new restricted immediate-term credit program to facilitate increased exports of U.S. agricultural commodities
95th 92 Stat. 1696-1702 Inland Waterways Revenue Act of 1978 Oct 21, 1980 Levy a diesel fuel charge on freight traffic along the U.S. navigable inland waterway system
95th 92 Stat. 1705-1754 Airline Deregulation Act of 1978 Oct 24, 1978 Establish procedures to encourage, develop, and attain an air transportation system that relies on competitive market forces
95th 92 Stat. 1824-1885 Ethics in Government Act of 1978 Oct 26, 1978 Codify financial disclosure provisions of new ethic codes adopted by the House and the Senate, and apply the same disclosure requirements to the President, Vice President, Supreme Court justices and top-level employees of both the executive and judicial branch
95th 92 Stat. 1887-1908 Humphrey-Hawkins Full Employment and Balanced Growth Act of 1978 Oct 27, 1978 Declare a national policy of promoting full employment, increased real income, balanced growth, a balanced budget, growth in productivity, an improved balance of trade, and price stability; and provide for coordination of economic policy-making to promote the goals of reducing inflation and unemployment
95th 92 Stat. 2076-2077 Pregnancy, Sex Discrimination Prohibition Act of 1978 Oct 31, 1978 Prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of pregnancy and require disability and health insurance plans to cover pregnant workers
95th 92 Stat. 2078-2079 Nonvoting Delegate to the House of Representative from American Samoa Oct 31, 1978 Provide for the election of a nonvoting delegate to the House of Representatives from American Samoa
95th 92 Stat. 2497-2511 Veterans' and Survivors' Pension Improvement Act Nov 4, 1978 Provide a 50 percent increase in the maximum pension paid indigent war veterans who were not disabled as a result of military service, guarantee veterans a minimum annual income, and establish a new program of improved pension benefits for needy surviving spouses of wartime veterans
95th 92 Stat. 2523-2528 Presidential Records Act of 1978 Nov 4, 1978 Provide that most Presidential records become public property at the end of the President's term in office
95th 92 Stat. 3117-3173 Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 Nov 9, 1978 Require State utility commissions and other regulatory agencies to consider the use of energy-saving methods, such as pricing electricity lower in off-peak hours to avoid heavy loads in the middle of the day and to discontinue discounts for large volume users
95th 92 Stat. 3174-3205 Energy Tax Act of 1978 Nov 9, 1978 Establish tax credits for homeowner expenditures related to installation of insulation and other energy-conserving improvements; establish an investment tax credit available to businesses installing specific types of energy conservation equipment; and establish tax incentives for companies producing synthetic fuels from coal or other resources
95th 92 Stat. 3289-3349 Power Plant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 Nov 9, 1978 Require that new industrial and utility plants be built to use coal or a fuel other than oil or gas, and that existing utility plants using oil or gas convert to other fuels by 1990

96TH CONGRESS  (JAN 15, 1979 - DEC 16, 1980): ADMINISTRATION OF JAMES E. CARTER

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
96th 93 Stat. 14-21 Taiwan Relations Act Apr 10, 1979 Pledge continued arm sales to the Taiwan Government and provide that the U.S. will take action in the event of an attack on Taiwan
96th 93 Stat. 144-317 Trade Agreements Act of 1979 Jul 26, 1979 Establish a new, detailed, and substantially faster procedure for resolving complaints considered under U.S. countervailing duty law, which was designed to protect domestic industry against foreign Government subsidies on imported goods
96th 93 Stat. 452-500 Panama Canal Act of 1979 Sep 27, 1979 Establish the Panama Canal Commission to operate and maintain the Panama Canal through 1999, when Panama would assume complete control of the waterway
96th 93 Stat. 668-696 Education Organization Act Oct 17, 1979 Consolidate 152 education-related programs in a new Cabinet level Department of Education
96th 93 Stat. 695 Department of Health. Education, and Welfare Redesignation as the Department of Health and Human Services Oct 17, 1979 Provide that all references to the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare in any law, rule, regulation, certificate, directive, instruction, or other official paper in force be deemed to refer and apply to the Department of Health and Human Services, except to the extent such functions were transferred to the Department of Education
96th 93 Stat. 89-93 International Security Assistance Act of 1979 Jul 20, 1979 Authorize the President to provide Israel with military aid and Egypt with military and economic aid
96th 96 Stat. 954-980 Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations for Fiscal Year 1980 (Appropriations for Synthetic Fuel Programs) Nov 7, 1979 Create the Energy Security Reserve to expedite domestic development and production of alternative fuels to reduce dependence on foreign supplies of energy resources
96th 93 Stat. 1291-1294 Meat Import Act of 1979 Dec 31, 1979 Provide for a counter-cyclical formula for meat imports, permitting them to increase when domestic supplies are low and prices relatively high, and to increase when domestic supplies are plentiful and prices relatively lower
96th 93 Stat. 1324-1337 Chrysler Corporation Loan Guarantee Act of 1979 Jan 7, 1980 Establish a loan guarantee board to administer loan guarantees to the Chrysler Corp.
96th 94 Stat. 102-118 Refugee Act of 1980 Mar 17, 1980 Establish new procedures for admitting and resettling refugees, and create the Office of U.S. Coordinator for Refugee Affairs
96th 94 Stat. 132-193 Depository Institutions Deregulation and Monetary Control Act of 1980 Mar 31, 1980 Enact as separate titles the Monetary Control Act of 1980, the Depository Institutions Deregulation Act of 1980, and the Consumer Checking Account Equity Act of 1980, as well as provisions relating to the powers of thrift institutions, State usury laws, truth in lending, and foreign control of U.S financial institutions
96th 94 Stat. 229-308 Crude Oil Windfall Profits Tax Act of 1980 Apr 2, 1980 Levy a tax on "windfall profits" received by U.S. oil companies as a result of President Carter's April 1979 decision to end gradually oil price controls
96th 96 Stat. 336-337 International Sugar Agreement 1977 Implementation Apr 22, 1980 Authorize the U.S. to become a fully participating member of the International Sugar Agreement which was designed to stabilize world sugar prices by establishing a system of export quotas and stockpiles among the fifty sugar exporting and importing member nations
96th 94 Stat. 422-424 Special Central American Assistance Act of 1980 May 31, 1980 Authorize assistance under the Economic Support Fund for the Central American countries of Nicaragua and Honduras
96th 94 Stat. 487-498 Asbestos School Hazard Detection and Control Act of 1980 Jun 14, 1980 Establish a program for the inspection of schools to detect the presence of hazardous asbestos materials; and authorize grants to help schools find potentially dangerous asbestos, and interest-free loans to help them cover it up or replace with other suitable building materials
96th 94 Stat. 500-535 Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act of 1980 Jun 17, 1980 Establish an adoption assistance program for children with "special needs" who were eligible for the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program, AFDC foster care program, or social security
96th 94 Stat. 611-779 Energy Security Act Jun 30, 1980 Establish a Synthetic Fuels Corp. to provide loan guarantees, purchase guarantees, and guaranteed prices to develop synthetic fuels
96th 94 Stat. 941-946 Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Research, Development, and Demonstration Act Jul 17, 1980 Provide for an accelerated research and development program by the Department of Energy to achieve early application of ocean thermal energy conversion systems
96th 94 Stat. 974-1000 Ocean Thermal Energy Conservation Act of 1980 Aug 3, 1980 Establish legal framework to govern the operation of ocean thermal energy conversion plants on the high seas, and provide that licenses and permits be handled by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
96th 94 Stat. 1139-1147 Wind Energy Systems Act of 1980 Sep 8, 1980 Authorize programs to accelerate the development of wind energy systems
96th 94 Stat. 1198-1206 National Aquaculture Act of 1980 Sep 26, 1980 Establish programs to facilitate the development of aquaculture
96th 94 Stat. 1208-1311 Multiemployer Pension Plan Amendments Act of 1980 Sep 26, 1980 Strengthen funding requirements for private multiemployer pension plans and revise pension plan termination rules in order to strengthen retiree income security
96th 94 Stat. 1564-1613 Mental Health Services Act Oct 7, 1980 Revise Federal mental health assistance programs to target the bulk of Federal aid to the elderly, severely disturbed children and adolescents, and the chronically mentally ill
96th 94 Stat. 1879-1883 Privacy Protection Act of 1980 Oct 13, 1980 Restrict ability of Federal, State, and local law enforcement officers from using warrants to search newsrooms and other organizations engaged in First Amendment activities
96th 94 Stat. 1895-1966 Staggers Rail Act of 198 Oct 14, 1980 Establish a national policy aimed at minimizing regulation of the Nation's railroads and, to the extent possible, allowing competition and the demand for services to establish railroad rates
96th 94 Stat. 2071-2170 Foreign Service Act of 1980 Oct 17, 1980 Reorganize and consolidate the various components of the Foreign Service to create more uniform statutory terms and conditions of Foreign Service employment
96th 94 Stat. 2311-2320 Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 Oct 21, 1980 Authorize appropriations for programs to improve the Nation's industrial technology
96th 94 Stat. 2371-2551 Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act Dec 2, 1980 Establish Alaska conservation units that impose varying degrees of restrictions on the exploration of oil and timber, and set aside lands for national parks, monuments, wildlife refuges, and wilderness areas
96th 94 Stat. 2767-2811 Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 Dec 11, 1980 Establish an emergency "superfund", to clean up toxic contaminants spilled or dumped into the environment
96th 94 Stat. 2812-2826 Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 Dec 11, 1980 Establish policies to reduce paperwork and enhance the economy and efficiency of the Federal Government and the private sector
96th 94 Stat. 3015-3029 Patent and Trademark Laws, Amendments Dec 12, 1980 Revise patent and trademark laws relating to federally funded inventions and simplify procedures for handling certain patent disputes

97TH CONGRESS  (JAN 15, 1981 - DEC 23, 1982): ADMINISTRATIONS OF JAMES E. CARTER AND RONALD W. REAGAN

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
97th 96 Stat. 1469-1548 Garn-St. Germaine Depository Institutions Act of 1982 Oct 15, 1982 Revise regulation of home mortgage lending institutions to strengthen lending institution stability and ensure the continuing availability of home mortgage loans
97th 96 Stat. 2201-2263 Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 Jan 7, 1983 Establishes a Department of Energy program for construction of permanent repositories generated by nonmilitary nuclear activities

98TH CONGRESS  (JAN 3, 1983 - OCT 12, 1984): ADMINISTRATIONS OF RONALD W. REAGAN

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
98th 98 Stat. 67-91 Shipping Act of 1984 Mar 20, 1984 Exempt from antitrust laws certain agreements of conferences among ocean common carriers and marine terminal operators
98th 98 Stat. 204-206 Child Protection Act of 1984 May 21, 1984 Increases penalties and clarifies punishable offenses to expand law enforcement response to sexual exploitation of children
98th 98 Stat. 333-392 Bankruptcy Amendments and Federal Judgeship Act of 1984 Jul 10, 1984 Revise bankruptcy laws and establish additional circuit and district judgeships
98th 98 Stat. 494-1210 Deficit Reduction Act of 1984 (including the Tax Reform Act of 1984 and the Spending Reduction Act of 1984) Jul 18, 1984 Revise Federal income, excise, estate, and gift tax laws; and provide for various spending reduction in order to reduce the budget deficit
98th 98 Stat. 1267-1304 Education for Economic Security Act Aug 11, 1984 Establish programs to improve elementary, secondary, and post-secondary education in mathematics and science
98th 98 Stat. 2725-2734 Veterans’ Dioxin and Radiation Exposure Compensation Standards Act Oct 24, 1984 Require Veterans Affairs Administration to prescribe regulations to determine service connection of certain disabilities of veterans who were exposed to dioxin while serving in U.S. military forces in Vietnam
98th 98 Stat. 2779-2806 Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984 Oct 30, 1984 Provide for Federal, State, and local regulation of cable TV

99TH CONGRESS  (JAN 3, 1985 - OCT 18, 1986): ADMINISTRATION OF RONALD W. REAGAN

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
99th 99 Stat. 1770-1841 Compact of Free Association Act of 1985 Jan 14, 1986 Approve the Compact of Free Association providing for new political arrangements between the U.S. and the Federal states of Micronesia and the U.S. and between the Republic of the Marshall Islands
99th 100 Stat. 853-901 Omnibus Diplomatic Security and Antiterrorism Act of 1986 Aug 27, 1986 Restructure Department of State security program for diplomatic missions abroad and foreign missions in the U.S., and establishes various programs to prevent or combat international terrorism
99th 100 Stat. 1086-1116 Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986 Oct 2, 1986 Restrict various financial interactions with South Africa with the policy objective of bringing an end to apartheid
99th 100 Stat. 2085-2963 Tax Reform Act of 1986 Oct 22, 1986 Provide for comprehensive revision of the individual and corporate income tax system

100th CONGRESS  (JAN 6, 1987 - OCT 22, 1988): ADMINISTRATION OF RONALD W. REAGAN

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
100th 102 Stat. 1107-1574 Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 Aug 23, 1988 Establish various programs and policies to improve U.S. trade international competitiveness
100th 102 Stat. 1851 U.S.-Canada Free-Trade Agreement Implementation Act of 1988 Sep 28, 1988 Provides approval and establishes conditions for a free trade agreement with Canada
100th 102 Stat. 2623-2634 Defense Authorization Amendments and Base Closure and Realignment Act Oct 24, 1988 Establish procedures and funding to facilitate Department of Defense closure of military installations based on recommendations of the Commission on Base Realignment and Closure
100th 102 Stat. 4181-4545 Anti-Drug Abuse Act Nov 18, 1988 Establish policies and programs to prevent manufacturing, distribution, and use of illegal drugs

101st CONGRESS  (JAN 3, 1989 - OCT 28, 1990): ADMINISTRATIONS OF RONALD W. REAGAN AND GEORGE H. W. BUSH

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
101st 103 Stat. 157-159 Natural Gas Wellhead Decontrol Act of 1989 Jul 26, 1989 Eliminate wellhead prove and non-price controls on the first sale of natural gas
101st 103 Stat. 183-553 Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 Aug 9, 1989 Revise regulation of Federal deposit insurance system and provide for resolution of failed and failing federally insured savings and loan association
101st 103 Stat. 1716-1783 Ethics Reform Act of 1989 Nov 30, 1989 Provide for Government-wide ethics reform
101st 103 Stat. 484-575 Oil Pollution Act of 1990 Aug 18, 1990 Establish limitations on liability for damages resulting from oil pollution and establish a fund for the payment of compensation for damages
101st 104 Stat. 920-926 Radiation Exposure Compensation Act Oct 15, 1990 Establish procedures for claims for injuries due to exposure to radiation from nuclear testing
101st 104 Stat. 963-977 Market Reform Act of 1990 Oct 16, 1990 Strengthen regulation of U.S. securities markets
101st 104 Stat. 2353-2367 Nutrition Labeling and Education Act of 1990 Nov 8, 1990 Require nutritional content labeling for foods
101st 104 Stat. 2399-2712 Clean Air Act Amendments Nov 15, 1990 Provide for attainment of national ambient air quality standards
101st 104 Stat. 4079-4425 Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act Nov 28, 1990 Authorize home ownership and other affordable housing programs

102nd CONGRESS  (JAN 3, 1991 - OCT 9, 1992): ADMINISTRATION OF GEORGE H. W. BUSH

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
102nd 105 Stat. 3-4 Authorization for Use of Military Fore Against Iraq Resolution Jan 14, 1991 Authorize the President to use U.S. military forces to implement UN Security Council resolutions regarding Iraq’s invasion and occupation of Kuwait
102nd 105 Stat. 1594-1604 High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 Dec 9, 1991 Provide for a coordinated program to ensure U.S. leadership in high-performance computing
102nd 106 Stat. 2776-3133 Energy Policy Act of 1992 Oct 24, 1992 Establish programs and policies to improve energy efficiency
102nd 106 Stat. 3320-3362 Freedom for Russia and Emerging Eurasian Democracies and Open Markets support Act of 1992 (FREEDOM Support Act) Oct 24, 1992 Establish programs and policies to support freedom and open markets in the independent states of the former Soviet Union

103rd CONGRESS  (JAN 5, 1993 - DEC 1, 1994): ADMINISTRATIONS OF GEORGE H. W. BUSH AND WILLIAM J. CLINTON

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
103rd 107 Stat. 6-29 Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 Feb 5, 1993 Entitle eligible private sector and government employees to up to 12 weeks of unpaid medical leave for a serious health condition, childbirth, adoption or care of seriously ill children, spouses, or parents
103rd 107 Stat. 1309-1311 Middle East peace Facilitation Act of 1993 Oct 28, 1993 Authorize the President to suspend restrictions regarding the Palestine Liberation Organization
103rd 107 Stat. 1536-1546 Handgun Control, Multiple Firearm Purchases, and Federal Firearms License Reform, including the Brady handgun Violence Prevention Act Nov 30, 1993 Provide for a waiting period before the purchase of a handgun and for the establishment of a national instant criminal background check system for firearm transfers
103rd 107 Stat. 2057-2225 North American Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act Dec 8, 1993 Approve and establish conditions for North American free Trade agreement between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico
103rd 108 Stat. 4809-5053 Uruguay Round Agreements Act Dec 8, 1994 Approve and implement trade agreements concluded in the Uruguay round of multilateral trade negotiations

104th CONGRESS  (JAN 4, 1995 - OCT 4, 1996): ADMINISTRATION OF WILLIAM J. CLINTON

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
104th 109 Stat. 48-71 Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 Mar 22, 1995 End imposition of Federal mandates on state, local, and tribal governments without adequate funding
104th 110 Stat. 56-161 Telecommunications Act of 1996 Feb 8, 1996 Revise telecommunication laws to promote competition, reduce regulation, benefit consumers, and facilitate the deployment of new telecommunication technologies
104th 110 Stat. 1489-1538 Food Quality Protection Act Aug 3, 1996 Revise Federal regulation of pesticides
104th 110 Stat. 1936-2103 Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 Aug 21, 1996 Improve portability and continuity of health insurance coverage in group and individual markets
104th 110 Stat. 2105- Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 Aug 22, 1996 Provide for comprehensive reform of the welfare system

105th CONGRESS  (JAN 7, 1997 - OCT 4, 1998): ADMINISTRATION OF WILLIAM J. CLINTON

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
105th 111 Stat. 251-787 Balanced Budget Act of 1997 Aug 5, 1997 Amend numerous acts to reduce outlays and increase revenues to meet previously established budget reconciliation directives
105th 111 Stat. 788-1103 Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 Aug 5, 1997 Revise various tax laws
105th 112 Stat. 107-509 Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century Jun 9, 1998 Revise highway, mass transit, safety and other surface transportation programs
105th 112 Stat. 936-1247 Workforce Investment Act of 1998 Aug 7, 1998 Consolidate, coordinate, and improve employment, training, literacy, and vocational rehabilitation programs

106th CONGRESS  (JAN 6, 1999 - DEC 15, 2000): ADMINISTRATION OF WILLIAM J. CLINTON

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
106th 113 Stat. 1338-1481 Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act Nov 12, 1999 Revise regulation of financial service industry to facilitate affiliation among banks, securities firms, and insurance companies
106th 113 Stat. 1860-1951 Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act Dec 17, 1999 Establish programs and policies to facilitate employment and eliminate disincentives to work among disabled recipients of social security disability insurance and supplemental security income programs

107th CONGRESS  (JAN 3, 2001 - NOV 22, 2002): ADMINISTRATIONS OF WILLIAM J. CLINTON AND GEORGE W. BUSH

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
107th 115 Stat. 38-150 Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 Jun 7, 2001 Reduce tax burden on individuals and provide for a phased-in repeal of estate and gift taxes
107th 115 Stat. 272-402 Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (USA PATRIOT Act) Act of 2001 Oct 26, 2001 Revise law enforcement authorities to facilitate counter-terrorism efforts
107th 115 Stat. 1425-2094 No Child Left Behind Act Jan 8, 2002 Revises various elementary and secondary education programs and requires States to establish statewide academic accountability standards and examine student achievement through annual testing
107th 116 Stat. 81-116 Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002 Mar 27, 2002 Revise financing regulation for Federal election campaigns
107th 116 Stat. 745 Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 Jul 30, 2002 Revise laws governing accuracy and reliability of corporate disclosures made pursuant to Federal securities laws
107th 116 Stat. 1498-1502 Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 Oct 16, 2002 Authorize the force of U.S. military forces against Iraq
107th 116 Stat. 2135 Homeland Security Act of 2002 Nov 25, 2002 Establish the Department of Homeland Security consolidating various Federal agencies with responsibilities for preventing, protecting against and responding to terrorist threats

108th CONGRESS  (JAN 7, 2003 - DEC 9, 2004): ADMINISTRATION OF GEORGE W. BUSH

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
108th 117 Stat. 2066-2480 Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 Dec 8, 2003 Revise Medicare programs and establish an outpatient prescription drug benefit for Medicare beneficiaries
108th 118 Stat. 1418-1660 American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 Oct 22, 2004 Revise tax laws to facilitate competitiveness of manufacturing, service, and high- technology businesses and workers
108th 118 Stat. 2260-2293 Justice for All Act of 2004 Oct 30, 2004 Codify crime victim statutory rights and establish programs to facilitate the use of DNA evidence
108th 118 Stat. 3638-3872 Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 Dec 17, 2004 Restructure the intelligence community and intelligence programs to improve ability of U.S. to respond to terrorism threats

109th CONGRESS  (JAN 3, 2005 - JAN 3, 2007): ADMINISTRATION OF GEORGE W. BUSH

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
109th 119 Stat. 23-217 Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 Apr 20, 2005 Revise bankruptcy laws applicable to individual and commercial debtors
109th 119 Stat. 594-1143 Energy Policy Act of 2005 Aug 8, 2005 Revise energy policies and programs to promote increased energy conservation and the security of energy supplies
109th 119 Stat. 2095-2103 Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act Oct 26, 2005 Prohibit certain civil liability actions in Federal or State courts against licensed firearms or ammunitions manufacturers, sellers, or trade associations for damages resulting from unlawful third party use of a firearm or ammunition product

110th CONGRESS  (JAN 3, 2007 - JAN 3, 2009): ADMINISTRATION OF GEORGE W. BUSH

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
110th 121 Stat. 266 Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 Aug. 3, 2007 Establish and revise programs to prevent and respond to terrorist attacks and other emergencies
110th 121 Stat. 784 College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007 Sept. 27, 2007 Revise post-secondary education student aid programs to reduce the cost of postsecondary education
110th 122 Stat. 1651 Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 June 18, 2008 Provide for the continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through Fiscal year 2012, and for other purposes
110th 122 Stat. 3016 Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 Aug. 14, 2008 Establish consumer product safety standards and other safety requirements for children’s products and reauthorize and modernize the Consumer Product Safety Commission

111th CONGRESS  (JAN 3, 2009 - JAN 3, 2011): ADMINISTRATION OF GEORGE W. BUSH AND BARACK OBAMA

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
111th 123 Stat. 5 Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009 Jan. 29, 2009 Clarify that a discriminatory compensation decision or other practice that is unlawful under the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 occurs each time compensation is paid
111th 123 Stat. 115 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Feb. 17, 2009 Make supplementary appropriations for job preservation and creation, infrastructure investment, energy efficiency and science, assistance to the unemployed, and State and local fiscal stabilization
111th 123 Stat. 1632 Helping Families Save Their Homes Act of 2009; Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing Act of 2009 May 20, 2009 Establish programs to reduce incidence of mortgage foreclosure and increase credit availability
111th 124 Stat. 119 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Mar. 23, 2010 Require individuals to obtain health insurance coverage and establish programs to improve health care affordability
111th 124 Stat. 1376 Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act July 21, 2010 Improve financial system accountability and increase protection for taxpayers and consumers from improper financial practices
111th 124 Stat. 3515 Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010 Dec. 22, 2010 Provide for repeal of the policy that prevents homosexual men and women from serving openly in the military

112th CONGRESS  (JAN 5, 2011 - JAN 3, 2013): ADMINISTRATION OF BARACK OBAMA

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
112th 125 Stat. 284 Leahy‐Smith America Invents Act. Sept 16, 2011

Major overhaul of patent and trademark law to provide for reform
112th 126 Stat. 156 Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 Feb. 22, 2012 Provided incentives for the creation of jobs through tax relief
112th 126 Stat. 1465 Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2012 Nov. 27, 2012 Clarified the disclosures of information protected from prohibited personnel practices and provided authority for the Special Counsel

113th CONGRESS  (JAN 3, 2013 - JAN 2, 2015): ADMINISTRATION OF BARACK OBAMA

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
113th 127 Stat. 587

Drug Quality And Security Act.

 Nov 27, 2013 Amended the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic act granting the FDA broader latitude in regulating the manufacture of compounded drugs in response to a 2012 outbreak of fungal meningitis linked to a New England compounding pharmacy.
113th 128 Stat. 1088 Support for the Sovereignty, Integrity, Democracy, and Economic Stability of Ukraine Act of 2014.  April 3, 2014

Provided the government of Ukraine up to $1 billion in loan guarantees in response to the 2014 Russian military intervention in that country.
113th 128 Stat. 1754

Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014.

 Aug. 7, 2017

Expands the available options for veterans seeking medical care and grants the Secretary of Veterans Affairs greater latitude in firing senior personnel in response to the Veterans Health Administration scandal of 2014.

114th CONGRESS  (JAN 6, 2015 - JAN 2, 2017): ADMINISTRATION OF BARACK OBAMA

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
114th 129 Stat. 268 Uniting and Strengthening America by Fulfilling Rights and Ensuring Effective Discipline Over Monitoring (USA FREEDOM) Act of 2015 June 2, 2015

Restored and modified certain expired provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act and imposed new limits on the bulk collection of telecommunications metadata.
114th 133 Stat. 695

Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act of 2016

 July 22, 2016

Granted the Attorney General and Secretary of Health and Human Services broad authority to award grants and initiate other measures to combat the worsening opioid addiction epidemic
114th 133 Stat. 852

Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act

Approved by the Congress Sept. 9, 2016; Vetoed by the President Sept. 23, 2016; Veto overridden Sept. 28, 2016

Amended the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act and the Anti‐Terrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act to narrow the scope of the doctrine of sovereign immunity in regards to civil claims arising from acts of international terrorism. The practical effect of the law was to permit the continuation of a civil lawsuit brought by families of victims of the September 11 attacks against the government of Saudi Arabia.

115th Congress

Congress Statute at Large Act Name or Characterization Date Approved Act Purpose
115th 131 Stat. 16,
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Transition
Authorization Act of 2017
 Mar. 13, 2017 Authorizes $19.5 in funding in support of various NASA activities and goals, including the James Webb Space Telescope, the Space Launch System, the Asteroid Robotic Redirect Mission, the Orion crew vehicle, the International Space Station, the Wide-Field Infrared Survey Telescope, the Mars 2020 rover, as well as technologies necessary for a human mission to Mars. Authorizes NASA to provide care to astronauts to improve our comprehension of the effects of spaceflight on the human body.
115th 131 Stat. 862 Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017 June 23, 2017 Improved the accountability of employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
115th 131 Stat.886 Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act. August 2, 2017 Codifies certain sanctions previously imposed by the Executive Order and provided for new sanctions with respect to Iran, Russia, and North Korea. Established new congressional review procedures for terminating or waiving sanctions against Russia.
115th 131 Stat. 2054 Tax Law Revision December 24, 2017 Reforms the tax rates for existing tax brackets. Temporarily modifies the exclusion of student loan discharges from gross income to exclude from gross income certain discharges on account of the death or total and permanent disability of the student. Doubles the estate and gift tax exemption amount for decedents dying or gifts made after December 31, 2017.
115th 132 Stat. 1296 Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act. May 24, 2018 Lessens regulations implemented under the Dodd-Frank Act in order to assist financial institutions by increasing the threshold from $50 billion to $250 billion under which these financial institutions are considered to be too important to fail.
115th 132 Stat. 1636 John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019. August 13, 2018 Funds the Department of Defense and related national defense programs and initiatives including military construction and military personnel supplementation. Prohibits persons from supporting boycotts by foreign countries against Israel. Establishes procedures for dealing with the export control of emerging technologies. Updates the review process for the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States. Increases access to commissaries and exchange programs for recipients of the Purple Heart and other honorary titles and medals.
115th 132 Stat.3162 Protecting Religiously Affiliated Institutions Act of 2018. Sept. 28, 2018 Expands the provisions of the Church Arson Prevention Act to include a broader view of religious institutions to prevent the occurrence of hate crimes and threats against these properties.
115th 132 Stat.3186 FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018. October 5, 2018 Reauthorizes the Federal Aviation Administration and related programs through 2023. Modifies restrictions on the supplementary fees of airlines and requires that the FAA create and implement standards for airline seat sizes.

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