*Party division totals are based on election day results.
The Democrats retained control of Congress and won the presidency in the 1976 elections. Thomas P. “Tip” O’Neill of Massachusetts succeeded Speaker Carl Albert of Oklahoma following his retirement in 1977. But despite their one-party control of the federal government, Democrats failed to pass President Jimmy Carter’s comprehensive energy program. The 95th Congress (1977–1979) produced only stop-gap energy legislation. Congress reformed the process for low- and middle-income bank loans, deregulated the airline industry, and added more than 150 federal judgeships.
Learn more about the People of the People's House
To view complete lists of individuals who have served in these leadership and official positions since the 1st Congress, visit the People section