111th Congress, 2nd Session
Subjects – Great Depression
The birth and career of Representative Oscar S. De Priest of Illinois
March 09, 1871
On this date, Oscar Stanton De Priest, the first African American elected to Congress during the 20th century, was born.
Representative Isabella Selmes Greenway of Arizona
March 22, 1886
On this day, Isabella Selmes Greenway of Arizona—the state’s first Congresswoman—was born in Boone County, Kentucky.
The career of House Doorkeeper Bert W. Kennedy
December 06, 1921
Doorkeeper of the House Bert W. Kennedy introduced President Warren G. Harding to an audience of international diplomats and both houses of Congress.
World War I veterans bonus bill
June 15, 1932
On this date, by a vote of 211 to 176, the House passed a $2.4 billion World War I veterans bonus bill sponsored by Wright Patman of Texas.
A pay cut for Representatives during the Great Depression
March 20, 1933
In response to the financial crisis of the Great Depression, the House on this day approved a bill that reduced the salaries of Representatives and Senators from $9,000 to $8,500 per annum.
The first session of the 73rd Congress came to a close
June 16, 1933
Early in the morning on this date, the first session of the 73rd Congress came to a close.
The Social Security Act of 1935
August 14, 1935
President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act of 1935 into law on this date.
The Thanksgiving holiday
November 28, 1940
The establishing of the last Thursday of November as the legal holiday for Thanksgiving.
