Congress under Bill Clinton's term:
103rd Congress: (Jan 1993- Jan 1995)
Senate: 57 Democrats, 43 Republicans
House: 258 Democrats, 176 Republicans, 1 independent (who again, always caucus with Democrats)
104th Congress (Jan 1995-Jan 1997 )
Senate: 48 Democrats, 52 Republicans
[House:[/b] 204 Democrats, 232 Republicans, 1 independent
105th Congress (Jan 1997-Jan 1999)
Senate: 45 Democrats, 55 Republicans
House: 206 Democrats, 228 Republicans, 1 independent
106th Congress (Jan 1999-Jan 2001)
Senate: 45 Democrats, 55 Republicans
House: 211 Democrats, 223 Republicans, 1 independent
So Bill Clinton began his presidency with not only the presidency, but also far greater majorities in the House and Senate. Clinton lost his majorities precisely because he blatantly lied to the American people and raised taxes on the middle class, precisely what he promised he would not do, and immediately did. And Hillary in a very secretive way tried to force socialized medicine on the country. The nation overwhelmingly rejected this in the very next 1994 election, and for the first time in 50 years gave Republicans control of both houses. A very clear statement.
Clinton had 2 years to enact whatever he wanted, with total control of the House and Senate. But he deceitfully did the opposite of what he promised, and only when he embraced REPUBLICAN legislation for a balanced budget and reforming welfare did he gain some success and legacy as president. On issues he would never have championed himself, but "triangulated" on the direction the political wind was blowing, and reluctantly went with it, so that his presidency would not be a complete failure.
