Which congress was known for passing the first billion-dollar budget in U.S. history?

The Billion Dollar Congress, also known as the 51st Congress, is recognized for being the first to pass a budget that exceeded one billion dollars. This occurred in 1890 during a period of significant economic growth in the United States, largely fueled by industrial expansion and increasing government revenue from tariffs and taxes.

The Congress's ability to allocate such a substantial budget reflected the economic optimism of the era, as well as the increasing responsibilities of the federal government in addressing the needs of a rapidly industrializing nation. This budget marked a pivotal moment in U.S. fiscal history and set a precedent for future congressional spending.

In contrast to the other congresses mentioned, the New Deal Congress was more focused on economic recovery during the Great Depression, the Great Society Congress aimed to implement social reforms in the 1960s, and the Progressive Congress worked on antitrust laws and social reforms in the early 20th century. Each of these congresses had significant achievements, but none achieved the milestone of a billion-dollar budget prior to the Billion Dollar Congress.