87th United States Congress
the 3rd of January 1961 marked the start of a new legislative session in Washington, D.C. The United States Senate and House of Representatives convened for the 87th Congress. This body served until the 3rd of January 1963 during the final weeks of Dwight D. Eisenhower's presidency. John F. Kennedy took office on the 20th of January 1961 to begin his first two years as president. Both chambers held a Democratic majority though the House margin was reduced. Democrats controlled all Senate seats from the Deep South at this time. This unity broke when a Republican defeated Lyndon B. Johnson's appointed successor in Texas. The apportionment of House seats relied on the 1950 census data. Two temporary seats were added in 1959 for Alaska and Hawaii. These states had recently joined the Union that year. A federal government trifecta existed for the first time since the 82nd Congress in 1952.
the 30th of August 1961 saw the passage of the Oil Pollution Act of 1961. the 4th of September 1961 brought the Foreign Assistance Act into law. The Peace Corps Act received approval on the 22nd of September 1961. This act created a volunteer program for international development work. The Arms Control and Disarmament Act passed on the 26th of September 1961. It established an agency to study global disarmament options. the 15th of March 1962 marked the Manpower Development and Training Act. the 28th of June 1962 introduced the Migration and Refugee Assistance Act. the 31st of August 1962 authorized the Communications Satellite Act. the 11th of October 1962 approved the Trade Expansion Act. The Twenty-third Amendment ratified on the 29th of March 1961 gave District of Columbia citizens voting rights in presidential elections. Congress sent the Twenty-fourth Amendment to states on the 27th of August 1962. This amendment prohibited poll taxes in federal elections. It later ratified on the 23rd of January 1964.
the 3rd of January 1961 witnessed President Eisenhower severing diplomatic relations with Cuba. the 17th of April 1961 began the Bay of Pigs Invasion of Cuba. The operation failed by the 19th of April 1961. the 3rd of February 1962 announced a full embargo against Cuba. the 14th of October 1962 started the Cuban Missile Crisis. This crisis lasted until the 28th of October 1962. The House Speaker Sam Rayburn died from pancreatic cancer on the 16th of November 1961. His funeral took place on the 20th of November 1961. These events shaped foreign policy decisions during this session. The Democratic majority faced significant international challenges. The administration sought to contain Soviet influence globally. Diplomatic tensions remained high throughout the two-year term.
the 5th of May 1961 Alan Shepard became the first American in space aboard Mercury-Redstone 3. He flew a suborbital flight that lasted fifteen minutes. the 25th of May 1961 President Kennedy announced his goal to put a man on the Moon before the decade ended. the 20th of February 1962 John Glenn orbited Earth successfully. He completed three orbits during his mission. These achievements represented major technological progress for the United States. Congress supported funding for these space programs. The Senate Aeronautical and Space Sciences Committee oversaw related legislation. Robert S. Kerr chaired that committee during this session. Styles Bridges served as ranking member initially. Margaret Chase Smith later took that role. The nation invested heavily in aerospace capabilities.
Sam Rayburn died from pancreatic cancer on the 16th of November 1961. His funeral occurred on the 20th of November 1961. John W. McCormack became Speaker of the House on the 10th of January 1962. Carl Albert succeeded him as Majority Leader that same day. Hale Boggs replaced Albert as Majority Whip. Lyndon B. Johnson assumed Senate leadership after becoming Vice President. Richard Nixon served as Senate President until the 20th of January 1961. Mike Mansfield led the Democratic majority in the Senate. Hubert Humphrey held the position of Majority Whip. Thomas Kuchel served as Minority Whip under Everett Dirksen. Charles A. Halleck became Minority Leader after Dirksen's death. Many members lost their seats or resigned during this term. Special elections filled vacancies left by deceased or departing legislators. These changes reshaped the balance of power within Congress.
Common questions
When did the 87th United States Congress convene and end?
The 87th United States Congress convened on the 3rd of January 1961 and served until the 3rd of January 1963. This legislative session occurred during the final weeks of Dwight D. Eisenhower's presidency before John F. Kennedy took office.
What major laws were passed by the 87th United States Congress in 1961?
The 87th United States Congress passed several significant acts including the Oil Pollution Act of 1961 on the 30th of August 1961, the Foreign Assistance Act on the 4th of September 1961, and the Peace Corps Act on the 22nd of September 1961. The Arms Control and Disarmament Act also received approval on the 26th of September 1961 to establish an agency for studying global disarmament options.
How did the 87th United States Congress handle foreign policy regarding Cuba?
President Eisenhower severed diplomatic relations with Cuba on the 3rd of February 1962 following the failed Bay of Pigs Invasion which began on the 17th of April 1961. A full embargo against Cuba was announced on the 3rd of February 1962 and the Cuban Missile Crisis started on the 14th of October 1962 lasting until the 28th of October 1962.
Which civil rights events occurred during the term of the 87th United States Congress?
The Freedom Riders began interstate bus rides on the 4th of May 1961 to test Supreme Court integration decisions while James Meredith registered as the first black student at the University of Mississippi on the 1st of October 1962. Federal courts gained authority over legislative districts after the Baker v. Carr ruling on the 26th of March 1962.
What space exploration achievements were supported by the 87th United States Congress?
Alan Shepard became the first American in space aboard Mercury-Redstone 3 on the 5th of May 1961 and John Glenn orbited Earth successfully on the 20th of February 1962. President Kennedy announced his goal to put a man on the Moon before the decade ended on the 25th of May 1961 with Senate oversight provided by Robert S. Kerr.