Congress

 101st-102nd Congress  101st Congress || 102nd Congress      **   Majority Party - Democrats (260) || Majority Party - Democrats (267) Minority Party - Republicans   (175)     || Minority Party - Republicans (167)   ** 
 * =  ||= Male ||= Female ||= Black ||= Hispanic ||
 * = 101st Congress ||= 408 ||= 25 ||= 24 ||= 10 ||
 * = 102nd Congress ||= 407 ||= 28 ||= 26 ||= 11 ||



President H.W. Bush had some friction with Congress in 1990. Bush wanted to control the budget deficit, but found it impossible to find a compromise between the Democratic congressmen who wanted tax hikes on the wealthy, and the Republican congressman who wanted deep cuts in federal domestic spending. Bush's Democratic rivals were able to continually outmaneuver him, causing Bush to sign a statement that called for tax increases. When word of this came to light, Bush was further alienated from the conservative wing. It also caused a drop in his popularity, since one of his popular campaign slogans was "read my lips: no new taxes".

The 101st Congress was known for being slow to start and accomplishing little. With some resignations that the Congress had to first overcome, it seemed that the high hopes were going to be let down. Even with these difficulties, however, many unremembered bills and acts were passed. The congress passed many major legislation throughout its term but was slowed down towards the end when dealing with the budget. This Congress may have been remembered for talking and deliberating with not much getting done, but Congress had to deal with a Republican president known for his many vetoes. The 102nd congress was also known for many budget talks and an increase in taxes. Many advocates in Congress were for more spending on projects and an increase in taxes.

A major international event that President Bush and the 102nd Congress had to deal with was the Persian Gulf War. One of the main causes for U.S. involvement was the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. Once again, there was some friction between the President and Congress. Bush had favored diplomatic engagement with Iraq for several years, while Congress was at first tentative to declare any sort of military action. Despite initial congressional opposition, Congress agreed to enter into engagement with Iraq after the approval of the U.N. and in partnership with many foreign allies.

The era of 1989-1993 was characterized by several struggles for rights. Between the Tienanmen Square incident, the Berlin Wall coming down, Operation Desert Storm, and the Rodney King beating, many different groups could be seen standing up for what they believed in. During this period, as can be seen by the major legislation, Congress tended to focus on protecting the rights and safety of Americans and immigrants. Through acts such as the Immigration Act of 1989, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the Civil Rights Act of 1991, it can be seen that Congress wanted to ensure everyone had equal opportunity to lead an enjoyable and productive life.


 * Highlights**
 * Successfully conducted the Persian Gulf War
 * Helped pass many crucial pieces of legislation


 * Pitfalls**
 * Was unable to keep some of his campaign promises, most notably his promise to not increase taxes
 * Had a difficult time dealing with a Democratic Congress
 * Known for his many vetoes

Major Legislation

**Flag Protection Act of 1989**
 * The law states that "whoever knowingly mutilates, defaces, physically defiles, burns, maintains on the floor or ground, or tramples upon any flag of the United States shall be fined under this title or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both."
 * Was made in response to case of Texas v. Johnson, where it was ruled that burning the flag is protected under the First Amendment.


 * Immigration Act of 1990**
 * Increased the limit of legal immigration to the United States.
 * Revised all grounds of exclusion and deportation and revised the requirements and authority of naturalization.


 * Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990**
 * Prevents any discrimination against qualified applicants with disabilities in applying for and performing jobs.
 * Holds an employer responsible for making reasonable adjustments to the working environment in order to compensate for someone with a disability
 * These reasonable adjustments include making buildings handicap accessible, modifying equipment or adjusting training materials and job interviews, providing a sign language interpreter for deaf applicants, and other things of this nature


 * Civil Rights Act of 1991**
 * Provides additional protection and compensation for harassment and intentional discrimination in the workplace
 * Expands the scope of civil rights protection


 * Chinese Student Protection Act of 1992**
 * Gave permanent residency to any Chinese person who was a national of the People's Republic of China that arrived in the United States on or before April 11, 1990
 * Aimed to help students with expiring visa's and to prevent political persecution of students after the Tiananmen Square incident.


 * Weapons of Mass Destruction Control Act of 1992**
 * Expressed concern that weapons of mass destruction may be the most threatening weapon to the United States.
 * Aims to increase the ability to respond to acts of terrorism and incidents involving weapons of mass destruction as well as aiding in the destruction of weapons of mass destruction.

Intro The Presidency Supreme Court   <span style="font-size: 50%; color: rgb(0,0,0);"> <span style="font-size: 50%; color: rgb(0,0,0); font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <span style="display: block; font-size: 60%; color: rgb(0,0,0); text-align: left;"> <span style="display: block; font-size: 60%; color: rgb(0,0,0); text-align: left;"> <span style="color: rgb(23,20,17);">