March 8, 1983
Congress Profiles
98th Congress (1983–1985)
Congressional Profile
Total Membership:
- 435 Representatives
- 4 Delegates
- 1 Resident Commissioner
Party Divisions:*
- 269 Democrats
- 166 Republicans
*Party division totals are based on election day results.
- Election Statistics, 1982 [PDF]
About this object Serving 17 Congresses, Thomas "Tip" O'Neill of Massachusetts spent eight in a leadership position.
Congress Overview
Republicans maintained control of the Senate, and Democrats added to their House majority after the 1982 elections. The growing budget deficit stymied the 98th Congress (1983–1985). Budget legislation passed in one chamber could not to pass in the other. When a truck bomb destroyed the U.S. Marine barrack in Beruit, Lebanon killing more than 240 servicemen, Congress and the President sparred over the international peacekeeping mission there. Congress also refused to grant aid to Nicaraguan rebels. Russo–American relations soured further after the Soviets shot down Korean Airlines Flight 007. All passengers, including Georgia Representative Larry McDonald, were killed.
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 98th Congress [PDF]
- Learn more about the House of Representatives with an interactive map
Learn more about the People of the People's House
Leadership & Officers
- Speaker of the House:
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Thomas P. O'Neill, Jr. (D–Massachusetts)
- Majority Leader:
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James C. Wright, Jr (D–Texas)
- Minority Leader:
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Robert H. Michel (R–Illinois)
- Democratic Whip:
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Thomas S. Foley (D–Washington)
- Republican Whip:
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Trent Lott (R–Mississippi)
- Democratic Caucus Chairman:
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Gillis W. Long (D–Louisiana)
- Republican Conference Chairman:
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Jack Kemp (R–New York)
- Clerk of the House:
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Benjamin J. Guthrie
- Sergeant at Arms:
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Jack Russ
- Chaplain of the House:
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James D. Ford – Lutheran
- Doorkeeper:
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James T. Molloy
- Postmaster:
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Robert V. Rota
- Parliamentarian:
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William Holmes Brown
To view complete lists of individuals who have served in these leadership and official positions since the 1st Congress, visit the People section
Legislative Activities
- Legislation of the 98th Congress (Congress.gov):
- Bill Summary & Status for the 98th Congress
- Résumés of Congressional Activity:
- Résumés of Congressional Activity for the 98th Congress [PDF]
- Public Laws (Congress.gov):
- Public Laws 98th Congress
- House and Senate Days-In-Session Calendars (Congress.gov):
- Days-in-Session Calendars for the 98th Congress
- For information on the current Congress, please visit the Office of the Clerk’s website.