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85th Congress (1957–1959)

Congressional Profile

Total Membership:

435 Representatives
2 Delegates
1 Resident Commissioner

Party Divisions:^*

232 Democrats
203 Republicans

^*Party division totals are based on election day results.

Election Statistics, 1956 [PDF]

Congress Overview

The Cold War dominated the 85th Congress (1957–1959). Congress authorized military and economic aid to Middle Eastern countries fighting communist expansion and took a first step toward cracking racial segregation. The Soviet Union’s 1957 success in launching the first man-made satellite into Earth orbit inaugurated the “space race” between the superpowers. Congress established the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA); created congressional science panels; and passed the National Defense Education Act which funded enhanced science, mathematics, and foreign languages programs. In 1958, Congress passed a statehood act for Alaska which joined the Union in early 1959.

Historical Highlights

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Member Information

Biographical Directory of the U.S. Congress, (1774–2005), Official Annotated Membership Roster by State with Vacancy and Special Election Information for the 85th Congress [PDF]
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