Solomon observed , "While we enacted fewer laws than the previous Congress, most objective observers agree that this has been the most productive Congress in at least a generation. Obviously, the productivity of a Congress cannot and should not be measured by the number of laws enacted but rather by their thrust and direction. The laws we enacted in the 104th Congress have set a dramatic new course for the government. Moreover, the data show that we spent more time considering legislation in the 104th Congress under a more open and deliberative process."

The data, compiled by the Rules Committee staff, show that the 104th Congress enacted 333 measures into law compared to 465 in the 103rd Congress. However, when non-substantive commemoratives enacted in the 103rd Congress (like "National Clown Week"), which were banned in the 104th Congress, are subtracted from total public laws, the number of substantive enactments is much closer -- 384 laws in the 103rd Congress compared to 333 in the 104th Congress.

The more open process in the 104th Congress is borne out in the data compiled by the Rules Committee staff. While the House passed 611 bills in the 104th Congress, using 4 hours of session per bill, in the 103rd Congress the House passed 757 bills with 2.5 hours of floor time per bill.

Recorded votes per bill passed were also up in the 104th Congress -- with 2.2 votes per bill passed compared to 1.4 votes per bill passed in the 103rd Congress.

A further indication that the House was more deliberative in the 104th Congress is reflected in the percentage of unreported measures passed by the House. While 29% of the measures passed by the House in the 104th Congress had not been reported by a committee, 39% of the measures passed in the 103rd Congress were never reported.

Further enhancing House deliberation was the amendment process provided by special rules reported from the Rules Committee. Open or modified open rules for amendments in the 104th Congress comprised 57% of total rules compared with 46% open or modified open rules in the 103rd Congress.

According to Solomon, "The House was able to produce its impressive track record of legislative accomplishments in the historic 104th Congress more because of, rather than in spite of, the substantial streamlining and down-sizing in its structure, resources and operations at the beginning of the new Congress." The opening day House reforms in the 104th Congress resulted in the reduction of 3 committees and 32 subcommittees, a reduction of 684 committee staff (-34%), and a reduction in overall appropriations for the House in the two-year cycle of $122.9 million from the 103rd Congress.

Solomon concluded, "I think we have demonstrated that the Republicans have been able to legislate and govern with common sense while at the same time setting an example for the rest of the government that down-sizing and economizing on operations can enhance rather than hinder the ability to provide more effective and efficient government for the American taxpayer."

(Dec. 10, 1996)

Sources: "Resume of Congressional Activity," Daily Digest, Congressional Record; "Survey of Activities," Commitee on Rules; Congressional Research Service reports on "Committee Numbers, Sizes, Assignments and Staff," and "Legislative Branch Appropriations;" House Calendars.

Note: The public measures referred to above are public bills and joint resolutions. Four reported public measures were defeated in each Congress; 78 reported public measures remained on the Calendars of the House at the end of the 103rd Congress; 77 at the end of the 104th.