ARTICLE · 01 FEBRUARY 2005

A Look at the 109th Congress

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Congress convened on January 4, 2005. As a result of the November 2, 2004, elections, Republicans hold 55 of the 100 seats in the Senate, not enough to defeat a filibuster, but closer than in the past two years when they held 51 seats. Additionally, the GOP is assured of at least 232 of the 435 House seats, three more than it held in the prior Congress. This article will discuss pending nominations, committee changes, and environmental issues which could be addressed in this session of Congress.

United StatesGovernment, Public Sector

By Michael Galano (Washington, D.C.)

Originally published First Quarter, 2005

Introduction

The 109^th Congress convened on January 4, 2005. As a result of the November 2, 2004, elections, Republicans hold 55 of the 100 seats in the Senate, not enough to defeat a filibuster, but closer than in the past two years when they held 51 seats. Additionally, the GOP is assured of at least 232 of the 435 House seats, three more than it held in the prior Congress. This article will discuss pending nominations, committee changes, and environmental issues which could be addressed in this session of Congress.

Pending Nominations

Early in 2005, the Senate will consider three nominations that will have a major impact on environmental policy and enforcement issues in President Bush’s second term.

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