The 118th House of Representatives has seen its fair share of historic moments, from the first multiballot speaker election in a century to the expulsion of a member without conviction since the Civil War. Through it all, Republicans have maintained a narrow majority. However, this week marks yet another significant moment in history for them: one of the smallest House majorities ever.
Since December, House Republicans have lost three members, with the expulsion of Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y., the resignation of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., and the departure of Rep. Bill Johnson, R-Ohio, who has taken on the role of president at Youngstown State University. With 219 seats compared to the Democrats’ 213, newly elected Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., faces little margin for error when it comes to passing legislation.
To make matters more challenging, Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., is currently undergoing treatments related to his blood cancer diagnosis and will be out until February. This further decreases the majority’s margin.
Historically, closely divided Houses have experienced varying degrees of success in passing bills. Some have struggled, while others have managed to achieve legislative accomplishments. However, the balance of power has never shifted to the opposing party in the middle of a session. Let’s take a look at past instances of a closely divided House and what lessons we can learn from them.
1917: A coalition majority
In 1916, the House election left everyone uncertain about President Woodrow Wilson’s re-election and which party would control Congress. The New York Times headline the next day declared, “HOUSE MAY BE A TIE.” Republicans held 215 seats to Democrats’ 214, but the true majority eluded both parties due to minor party members who held the balance of power.
On the opening day of the 65th Congress in April 1917, Congressman Thomas Schall of Minnesota, a self-described progressive Republican, nominated Democrat Champ Clark to be speaker. Schall believed a Democratic-controlled House was necessary as the United States was involved in World War I. With the help of a few progressives and a socialist, Democrats formed a majority of 217 in the House. Clark was elected speaker, and shortly after, President Wilson arrived at the Capitol to request a declaration of war against Germany in a joint session address.
Despite the narrow majority, the 65th House achieved significant legislative output. They passed the Selective Service Act, implemented the 18th Amendment prohibiting alcohol sales, and authorized multiple bills for war bonds.
1931: Deaths flipped the balance of power
In 1930, the outcome of the House election was once again unclear. Republicans appeared to hold a narrow majority with 218 seats to Democrats’ 216, and one seat held by a member of the Farmer-Labor party. However, incumbent Speaker Nicholas Longworth and several other members-elect passed away, resulting in special elections that shifted the balance of power. Democrats gained 219 seats compared to Republicans’ 213, and the Farmer-Labor party retained its seat.
Despite the flipped majority, legislative productivity was affected by the Great Depression. Congress passed the Reconstruction Finance Corporation Act to provide loans to banks. Additionally, the House approved a bill to provide payments to World War I veterans, but the Senate rejected it even after the veterans marched on the Capitol grounds.
1953: A narrow Republican majority kept shrinking
In the 1952 elections, Republicans won control of the White House, the Senate, and the House. However, the margins were narrow, and President Dwight Eisenhower would need to use his persuasiveness to advance his proposals. With 221 Republicans to 213 Democrats and one independent, Republican Joseph Martin of Massachusetts was elected speaker. Congress established the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, as well as the Small Business Administration.
Unfortunately, deaths in the House gradually reduced the Republican majority to 218 seats compared to the Democrats’ 213 by the end of the second session. It would take Republicans until 1994 to regain control of the House.
As history shows, navigating a closely divided House is no easy task. It requires effective leadership, coalition-building, and the ability to pass legislation while accommodating various viewpoints. Speaker Mike Johnson and House Republicans face a challenging road ahead, but only time will tell how this historic moment in House majority unfolds.
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