Senate Staff Levels, 1977-2022
Changes from October 19, 2020 to August 2, 2023
This page shows textual changes in the document between the two versions indicated in the dates above. Textual matter removed in the later version is indicated with red strikethrough and textual matter added in the later version is indicated with blue.
Senate Staff Levels in Member, Committee,
October 19, 2020
Leadership, and Other Offices, 1977-2020
R. Eric Petersen
The manner in which, 1977-2022
August 2, 2023
The way staff are deployed within an organization may reflect the missions staff are deployed within an organization may reflect the missions
Specialist in American
and and priorities of that organization. This report provides staffing levels in Senators’ priorities of that organization. This report provides staffing levels in Senators’
National Government
Senate Senate
R. Eric Petersen
committee, leadership, and other offices since 1977. From 1977 to 1986, Senate committee, leadership, and other offices since 1977. From 1977 to 1986, Senate
staff, staff,
Specialist in American
excluding state-based staff, increased from 3,397 to 4,180, or 23.05%. From 1987 excluding state-based staff, increased from 3,397 to 4,180, or 23.05%. From 1987
to 2020to
National Government
2022, all Senate staff grew from 4,916 to , all Senate staff grew from 4,916 to 5,723, or 16.426,019, or 22.44%. The changes in both time %. The changes in both time
periods were characterized in part by increases in the number of staff working in periods were characterized in part by increases in the number of staff working in Tyler L. Wolanin chamber leadership offices, and, chamber leadership offices, and,
except for apparent declines in 2016-2018, increases in except for apparent declines in 2016-2018, increases in Research Assistant the staffing of chamber officers and officials. Additionally, the staffing of chamber officers and officials. Additionally,
staff working for Senators staff working for Senators have shifted from committees to personal offices. Some of these changes may be have shifted from committees to personal offices. Some of these changes may be
indicative of the growth of the Senate as an institution, or the value the chamber places indicative of the growth of the Senate as an institution, or the value the chamber places on its various activities. on its various activities.
This report is one of several CRS products focusing on congressional staff. Others can be accessed through CRS This report is one of several CRS products focusing on congressional staff. Others can be accessed through CRS
Report R44688, Report R44688, Congressional Staff: CRS Products on Size, Pay, Job Tenure, and Duties, by R. Eric Petersen and
Sarah J. Eckman. .
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
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Contents
Senate Staffing................................................................................................................................. 1
Senate Staff Data Collection ..................................................................................................... 1
Senate Staff Data .......................................................................................................................32
Staff in Senators’ Offices ....................................................................................................43
Committees ......................................................................................................................... 4
Leadership Offices .............................................................................................................. 4
Officers and Officials .......................................................................................................... 4
Presiding Officers ...............................................................................................................54
Discussion .......................................................................................................................................54
Data Tables ...................................................................................................................................... 6
Figures
Figure 1. Senate Staff Levels by Category, 1977-20202022 ................................................................... 3
Tables
Table 1. Senate Staff Levels by Category, 1977-20202022 ..................................................................... 6
Table 2. Staff Working in Senators’ Offices, 1977-20202022 ................................................................. 7
Table 3. Senate Committee Staff by Committee,2017-2020 .......................................................... 8
Table 4. Senate Committee Staff by Committee, 2007-2016 .......................................................... 9
Table 5. Senate Committee Staff by Committee, 1997-2006 ........................................................ 10
Table 6. Senate Committee Staff by Committee, 1987-1996 ......................................................... 11
Table 7. Senate Committee Staff by Committee, 1977-1986 ........................................................ 12
Table 8. Staff of Active Joint Committees Listed in the Senate Directories, 1977-2020 .............. 132013-2022 .......................................................... 8
Contacts
Author Information .......................................................................................................................... 9 13
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he hemanner in whichway staff are deployed within an organization may reflect the missions and staff are deployed within an organization may reflect the missions and
priorities of that organization. priorities of that organization.
T In Congress, employing authorities hire staff to carry out duties in Member T In Congress, employing authorities hire staff to carry out duties in Member- office, office,
committee, leadership, and other settings. The extent to which staff in those settings change may committee, leadership, and other settings. The extent to which staff in those settings change may
lend insight into the Senate’s work over time. Some of the insights that might be taken from staff lend insight into the Senate’s work over time. Some of the insights that might be taken from staff
levels include levels include
• an understanding of the division of congressional work between Senators an understanding of the division of congressional work between Senators
working individually through their personal offices, or working individually through their personal offices, or working collectively, through collectively, through
committee activities; committee activities;
the relationship• similar divisions of labor between committee between committee leaders and chamber leaders, which could
and leadership settings, which
could have implications for the development and consideration of legislation, the use of have implications for the development and consideration of legislation, the use of
congressional oversight, or deployment of staff; and congressional oversight, or deployment of staff; and
• the extent to which specialized chamber administrative operations the extent to which specialized chamber administrative operations have grown
might have
grown over time. over time.
This report provides staffing levels in Senators’, This report provides staffing levels in Senators’,1 committee, leadership, and other offices since committee, leadership, and other offices since
1977.1977.1 No Senate No Senatepublication appears to officially and authoritatively trackresource appears to provide a publicly available, official, and authoritative count of the actual number of the actual number of
staff working in the staff working in thechamberschamber by office or entity. Data presented here are based on staff listed by by office or entity. Data presented here are based on staff listed by
chamber entity (offices ofchamber entity (offices of Senators,Senators, committees, leaders, officers, officials, and other entities) in committees, leaders, officers, officials, and other entities) in
Senate telephone directorieSenate telephone directories. Figure 1 displays overall staffing levels in the Senate. displays overall staffing levels in the Senate.
Table 1 in the in the “Data Tables”sectionsection below provides data for all staff listed in chamber directories below provides data for all staff listed in chamber directories
in the Senate through in the Senate through2020.2 Joint committee staff data from the Senate for panels that met in the
116th Congress (2019-2020) are provided in Table 82022. .
Senate Staffing
Senate Staff Data Collection
Data compiled for this report are based on a count of staff listed in the Senate telephone Data compiled for this report are based on a count of staff listed in the Senate telephone
directories published since 1977.directories published since 1977.32 Like most sources of data, telephone directory listings have Like most sources of data, telephone directory listings have
potential benefits and potential drawbacks. Telephone directories were chosen for a number of potential benefits and potential drawbacks. Telephone directories were chosen for a number of
reasons, including the following: reasons, including the following:
• telephone directories published by the Senate are an official source of telephone directories published by the Senate are an official source of
information about the institution that are widely available; information about the institution that are widely available;
• presumably, the number of directory listings closely approximates the number of presumably, the number of directory listings closely approximates the number of
staff working for the Senate; staff working for the Senate;4
1 Throughout this report, the terms Member office, personal office, and Senator’s office refer to the office held by a
Senator as a consequence of election or appointment to the Senate. They do not refer to the number of facilities in
which that work is carried out.
1 Discussions of how many staff are based in Washington, DC, and state facilities Discussions of how many staff are based in Washington, DC, and state facilities
distinguish only between locations in Washington, DC, distinguish only between locations in Washington, DC,orand in the state.
2 The Senate did not publish a directory in 2019 and published a directory covering 2021-2022 in 2022.
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Senate Staff Levels, 1977-2022
• in the state. It does not provide an office-by-office
accounting of staff working in multiple state facilities.
2 The Senate did not publish a directory in 2019.
3 Senate directories listed some Washington, DC-based staff assigned to specific entities (e.g., Member, committee, and
other offices) in 1958. The Senate did not publish a directory in 2019. The House first published a directory with
detailed staff listings by entity in 1977.
4 The actual moment is the deadline that was set for the final collection of listings prior to publication. The exact date
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Senate Staff Levels in Member, Committee, Leadership, and Other Offices, 1977-2020
while arguably not their intended purpose, the directories provide a consistent while arguably not their intended purpose, the directories provide a consistent
breakdown of Senate staff by internal organization at a particular moment in breakdown of Senate staff by internal organization at a particular moment in
time;time;3 and and
• the directories afford the opportunity to compare staff levels at similar moments the directories afford the opportunity to compare staff levels at similar moments
across a period of decades. across a period of decades.5
At the same time, however, data presented below should be interpreted with care for At the same time, however, data presented below should be interpreted with care fora number ofseveral
reasons, including the following: reasons, including the following:
• There is no way to determine whether all staff working for the Senate are listed in There is no way to determine whether all staff working for the Senate are listed in
the thechambers’chamber’s telephone directories. If some staff are not listed, relying on telephone directories. If some staff are not listed, relying on
telephone directories telephone directoriesis likely tocould lead to an undercount of staff. lead to an undercount of staff.
• Staff working in Senators’ state offices were not listed until 1987. This Staff working in Senators’ state offices were not listed until 1987. This likely led
tocould
result in an undercount of staff, and makes comparisons pre-1987 and post-1987 an undercount of staff, and makes comparisons pre-1987 and post-1987
difficult. difficult.
• It is not possible to determine if staff who are listed were It is not possible to determine if staff who are listed were actually employed by employed by
the Senate the Senate
at the time the directories were published. If the directories list at the time the directories were published. If the directories list
individuals who are no longer employed by the Senate, then relying on them individuals who are no longer employed by the Senate, then relying on themis
likely tocould lead to an overcount of staff. lead to an overcount of staff.
• The extent to which the criteria for inclusion in the directories for the Senate The extent to which the criteria for inclusion in the directories for the Senate has
have changed over time cannot be changed over time cannot be fully determined. Some editions of the directory do determined. Some editions of the directory do
not always list staff in various entities the same way.not always list staff in various entities the same way.6 This may raise questions This may raise questions
regarding the reliability of telephone directory data as a means for identifying regarding the reliability of telephone directory data as a means for identifying
congressional staff levels within the Senate over time. congressional staff levels within the Senate over time.
• Some Senate staff may have more than one telephone number, or be listed in the Some Senate staff may have more than one telephone number, or be listed in the
directory under more than one entity. directory under more than one entity.74 As a consequence, they might be counted As a consequence, they might be counted
more than once. This could lead to a more accurate count of staff in specific more than once. This could lead to a more accurate count of staff in specific
entities within the Senate, but multiple listings may also lead to an overcount of entities within the Senate, but multiple listings may also lead to an overcount of
total staff working in the chamber. staff working in the chamber.
• Chamber directories may reflect different organizational arrangements over time Chamber directories may reflect different organizational arrangements over time
for some entities. This could lead to counting staff doing similar work in both for some entities. This could lead to counting staff doing similar work in both
years in different categories, or in different offices. years in different categories, or in different offices.
for each year is not known, but the publication date for Senate directories was generally in the spring of each year.
5 Other congressional documents list staff by organizational unit, most notably the quarterly Statement of
Disbursements issued by the House, and the semiannual Report of the Secretary of the Senate, issued by the Senate. At
the same time, because they capture all paid staff activity for a three-month (House Statements) or six-month (Senate
Reports) period, those documents do not provide as clear a picture of staffing at one point in time as the telephone
directories.
6 In some instances, a listing for a Senate entity would not list staff. In other instances, there were significant changes in
the number of staff from year-to-year. Finally, some editions of the directory would list the same staff under different
directory headings. It could not be determined whether these differences were a consequence of changing
organizational practices, or differences in the manner in which staff were included in the directory.
7
Senate Staff Data It appears that the Senate telephone directories started listing Senate staff working in Senators’ state offices in 1987. Given the lack of consistent staff data from Senators’ offices prior to 1987, comparisons between data from those offices from 1977-1986 and 1987-2022, as well as any analysis of total staffing levels in the Senate before 1987, would be incomplete. Staff levels from committees, leadership, and officers and officials, however, can be evaluated across the entire 1977-2022 time period. Analysis of total staffing levels, as well as staff distribution, since 1987 is discussed below.
In the Senate, the number of staff has grown steadily, from 4,916 in 1987 to 6,019 in 2022, or 22.44%. Each year since 1987, the number of Senate staff has grown by an average of 33
3 The actual moment is the deadline that was set for the final collection of listings prior to publication. The exact date for each year is not known, but the publication date for Senate directories was generally in the spring of each year.
4 For example, some congressional staff may work on a part-time basis for more than one Member, or for a Member For example, some congressional staff may work on a part-time basis for more than one Member, or for a Member
and a committee. and a committee.In limited instances (some commissions and joint committees), it is possible that some staff are listed
in both House and Senate directoriesState-based staff may be assigned to more than one state office. .
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Senate Staff Levels in Member, Committee, Leadership, and Other Offices, 1977-2020, 1977-2022
individuals.5
Senate Staff Data
It appears that the Senate telephone directories started listing Senate staff working in Senators’
state offices in 1987. Given the lack of consistent staff data from Senators’ offices prior to 1987,
comparisons between data from those offices from 1977-1986 and 1987-2020, as well as any
analysis of total staffing levels in the Senate before 1987, would be incomplete. Staff levels from
committees, leadership, and officers and officials, however, can be evaluated across the entire
1977-2020 time period. Analysis of total staffing levels, as well as staff distribution, since 1987 is
discussed below.
In the Senate, the number of staff has grown steadily, from 4,916 in 1987 to 5,723 in 2020, or
16.42%. Each year since 1987, the number of Senate staff has grown by an average of 25
individuals,8 or 0.53%. From 1977 to 1986, excluding congressional staff from state offices, the From 1977 to 1986, excluding congressional staff from state offices, the
number of staff in the Senate grew steadily from 3,397 in 1977 to 4,180 in 1986, or 23.05%. number of staff in the Senate grew steadily from 3,397 in 1977 to 4,180 in 1986, or 23.05%.
Figure 1 displays staff levels displays staff levelsin six categories (for Senators’ staff, including Washington, DC- and Senators’ staff, including Washington, DC- and
state-based staffstate-based staff, committees,; committees; leadership leadership,; and officers and officials and officers and officials) since 1977. since 1977.
Table 1 in the in the “Data Tables”sectionsection, below, provides detailed staff levels in those categories. , below, provides detailed staff levels in those categories.
Figure 1. Senate Staff Levels by Category, 1977-20202022
Source: Senate telephone directories, CRS calculations. Senate telephone directories, CRS calculations.
Notes:All categories are based on a ful count of directory listings. Data exclude Senate staff working for the Data exclude Senate staff working for the
President of the Senate and the President Pro Tempore. The President of the Senate and the President Pro Tempore. The Senate did not publish a directory in 2019 and published a directory covering 2021-2022 in 2022.Senate did not publish a directory in 2019.
8 Rounded to reflect a whole number.
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Staff in Senators’ Offices
Staff in Senators’ offices grew from 2,068 in 1977 to 2,474 in 1986, or 19.63%. Due to the Staff in Senators’ offices grew from 2,068 in 1977 to 2,474 in 1986, or 19.63%. Due to the
addition of staff data in Senators’ state offices to the telephone directories beginning in 1987, addition of staff data in Senators’ state offices to the telephone directories beginning in 1987,
comparisons of total staff before 1986 are not possible, but staff in Senators’ Washington, DC, comparisons of total staff before 1986 are not possible, but staff in Senators’ Washington, DC,
offices continued to grow. In offices continued to grow. In20202022, there were 2,, there were 2,402507 staff in Senators’ DC offices, staff in Senators’ DC offices, an increase of
16.15% from the 1977 level, 2,068and in 1977, there were 2,068, an increase of 21.23%. Staff in Senators’ offices, including state-based staff, have . Staff in Senators’ offices, including state-based staff, have
grown from 3,286 in 1987 to 4,grown from 3,286 in 1987 to 4,094 in 2020, or 24.59%. Senators’ office staffs have grown as a
proportion of overall Senate staff over time162 in 2022, an increase of 26.66%. In 1987, Member-office staff comprised 66.84% of . In 1987, Member-office staff comprised 66.84% of
overall Senate staff. The average proportion between 1987 and Senate staff. The average proportion between 1987 and2020 is 70.732022 is 61.85%. %.
Most of the growth in Senators’ staffs since 1987 appears to have been among state-based staff, Most of the growth in Senators’ staffs since 1987 appears to have been among state-based staff,
which nearly doubled in size from 935 in 1987 to 1,which nearly doubled in size from 935 in 1987 to 1,692 in 2020655 in 2022. More staff work in Washington,
5 Rounded to reflect a whole number.
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. More staff work in Washington,
DC, offices than in state offices, but the percentage of Senators’ staff based in states has grown DC, offices than in state offices, but the percentage of Senators’ staff based in states has grown
steadily since 1987, while the number of staff in Senators’ Washington, DC, offices has remained steadily since 1987, while the number of staff in Senators’ Washington, DC, offices has remained
relatively flat. In relatively flat. In2020, 58.672022, 60.24% of staff listed in the Senate telephone directory as working in % of staff listed in the Senate telephone directory as working in
Senators’ offices did so in Washington, DC, down from a high of 72.18% in 1988Senators’ offices did so in Washington, DC, down from a high of 72.18% in 1988. Table 2 in the in the
“Data Tables” section below provides the number of staff working in Senators’ offices in section below provides the number of staff working in Senators’ offices in
Washington, DC, and state offices. Washington, DC, and state offices.
Committees
Senate committee staff levels have shown the smallest change among Senate staff categories, Senate committee staff levels have shown the smallest change among Senate staff categories,
increasing from 1,084 in 1977 to 1,increasing from 1,084 in 1977 to 1,099 in 2020, or 1.38194 in 2022, or 10.15%. Change among Senate committee staff %. Change among Senate committee staff
may be characterized in five stages: an increase during 1977-1980 (20.57%); a period of decline may be characterized in five stages: an increase during 1977-1980 (20.57%); a period of decline
in 1980-1999 (-27.93%); a period of growth from 1999 to 2011 (33.97%); a decline in 2011-2013 in 1980-1999 (-27.93%); a period of growth from 1999 to 2011 (33.97%); a decline in 2011-2013
(-11.57%); followed by flat growth 2014-2020 (-0.03(-11.57%); and growth from 2014 to 2022 (5.57%). %).
Between 1987 and 2020, committee staff comprised a decreasing proportion of Senate staff, Between 1987 and 2020, committee staff comprised a decreasing proportion of Senate staff,
falling from a peak of 23.39% of Senate staff in 1987 to a low of 17.49% of staff in 1995. The falling from a peak of 23.39% of Senate staff in 1987 to a low of 17.49% of staff in 1995. The
proportion of Senate committee staff grew to 19.proportion of Senate committee staff grew to 19.20% in 2020, still below its 1987 peak.
In the 80% in 2022.
In the “Data Tables” section belowsection below, Table 3 provides, five tables provide staff levels in various Senate committees.
Data for 2017-2020 are available in Table 3; Table 4 provides data for 2007-2016; data for 1997-
2006 are available in Table 5; Table 6 provides data for 1987-1996; and data for 1977-1986 are
in Table 7. Totals for each year, which include Senate joint committee staff found in Table 8, are
provided in Table 1. staff levels in various Senate committees for 2013-2022. Committee staff data since 1977 are available to congressional staff upon request.
Leadership Offices
The number of staff in Senate leadership offices grew from 44 in 1977 to The number of staff in Senate leadership offices grew from 44 in 1977 to143 in 2020. The
majority191 in 2022. Most of the growth in leadership staff occurred between 1977 and 1981, from 44 to 119, or of the growth in leadership staff occurred between 1977 and 1981, from 44 to 119, or
170.45%. The number of leadership staff peaked in 2012 at 234. 170.45%. The number of leadership staff peaked in 2012 at 234.As a proportion of Senate staff,
leadershipLeadership employees were 2.69% employees were 2.69% of overall Senate staff in 1987 and in 1987 and 2.503.20% in % in 20202022. .
Officers and Officials
Staff working in the offices of Senate officers and officials has increased Staff working in the offices of Senate officers and officials has increased89.56132.34% since 1977. % since 1977.
Staff levels have grown from 201 in 1977 to Staff levels have grown from 201 in 1977 to381 in 2020467 in 2022, but were characterized by sharp , but were characterized by sharp
decreases in 1988, from 1998decreases in 1988, from 1998- to 2001, in 2012, and 2001, in 2012, and in 2016. Increases were observed in 2013, 2016. Increases were observed in 2013, 2018, 2020, and 2022. In 20222018,
and 2020.
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Senate Staff Levels in Member, Committee, Leadership, and Other Offices, 1977-2020
Despite the growth, Senate officers and officials’ staff decreased as a proportion of Senate staff,
falling from 7.08% in 1987 to a low of 5.21% in 2012. In 2020, the proportion of officers and , the proportion of officers and
officials’ staff was officials’ staff was6.667.76%. %.
Presiding Officers
The smallest category of staff includes those working in the Senate for the President of the Senate The smallest category of staff includes those working in the Senate for the President of the Senate
and the President Pro Tempore. Staff in those offices ranged from a high of 14 in 1981 to a low of and the President Pro Tempore. Staff in those offices ranged from a high of 14 in 1981 to a low of
three3 in 2013 and 2014. The average number of staff in the Senate offices of presiding officers in 2013 and 2014. The average number of staff in the Senate offices of presiding officers
between 1977 and between 1977 and2020 is nine2022 was 9. .
Discussion
Since 1987, the number of staff working for the Senate has grown. There have been increases in Since 1987, the number of staff working for the Senate has grown. There have been increases in
the number of staff working in Senate leadership offices, and larger increases in the staffing of the number of staff working in Senate leadership offices, and larger increases in the staffing of
officers and officials. Staff working for Senators have shifted from committee settings to officers and officials. Staff working for Senators have shifted from committee settings to
leadership settings or leadership settings orthe personalMember offices. Some of these changes may be indicative of the growth offices. Some of these changes may be indicative of the growth
of the Senate as an institution, or the value the chamber places on its various activities. of the Senate as an institution, or the value the chamber places on its various activities.
Congressional Research Service 4 Senate Staff Levels, 1977-2022 One example that may arguably indicateOne example that may be an indication of institutional development institutional development arguably is found in the is found in the
growth of the number of staff working in growth of the number of staff working inleadership and officersthe offices of leadership, officers, and officials and officials’ offices. A potential . A potential
explanation for explanation forthese changesthis change may be found in what some might characterize as an ongoing may be found in what some might characterize as an ongoing
professionalization and institutionalization of congressional management and administration. professionalization and institutionalization of congressional management and administration.
Some note that as organizations such as governing institutions develop, they identify needs for Some note that as organizations such as governing institutions develop, they identify needs for
expertise and develop specialized practices and processes.expertise and develop specialized practices and processes.9 In Congress, some of those areas of In Congress, some of those areas of
specialization arguably include supporting the legislative process through the drafting of specialization arguably include supporting the legislative process through the drafting of
measures, oversight and support of floor activities, and the management of legislation in a measures, oversight and support of floor activities, and the management of legislation in a
bicameral, partisan environment. Another potential explanation related to a more institutionalized, bicameral, partisan environment. Another potential explanation related to a more institutionalized,
professionalized Congress could be professionalized Congress could bethe demandsincreased demand for professional management and support. This for professional management and support. This
could arise as a result of congressional use of communications technologies, and the deployment could arise as a result of congressional use of communications technologies, and the deployment
of systematic, professionalized human resources processes, business operations, and financial of systematic, professionalized human resources processes, business operations, and financial
management. management.Consequently, increasedIncreased specialized support of congressional legislative and specialized support of congressional legislative and
administrative activities may explain increases among staff working for chamber leaders, and administrative activities may explain increases among staff working for chamber leaders, and
officers and officials. officers and officials.
In another example In another example that may indicate changes in the value the chamber places on various activities, the distribution of staff working directly for Senators has shifted from , the distribution of staff working directly for Senators has shifted from
committee settings to personal office settings. Staff in Member offices has grown while staff in committee settings to personal office settings. Staff in Member offices has grown while staff in
Senate committees has decreased, both in real numbers and in percentage of total staff. This may Senate committees has decreased, both in real numbers and in percentage of total staff. This may
represent a shift from collective congressional activities typically carried out in committeesrepresent a shift from collective congressional activities typically carried out in committees,
(including legislative, oversight, and investigative workincluding legislative, oversight, and investigative work), to individualized activities typically to individualized activities typically
carried out in Senators’ personal officescarried out in Senators’ personal offices, (including direct representational activities, constituent including direct representational activities, constituent
service and education, and political activityservice and education, and political activity).10
9 See, for example, Nelson W. Polsby, “The Institutionalization of the U.S. House of Representatives,” The American
Political Science Review, vol. 62, no. 1 (March 1968), pp. 144-168.
10 See Robert H. Salisbury and Kenneth A. Shepsle, “U.S. Congressman as Enterprise,” Legislative Studies Quarterly,
vol. 6, no. 4 (November 1981), pp. 559-576; CRS Report RL33686, Roles and Duties of a Member of Congress: Brief
Overview, by R. Eric Petersen; CRS Report RL34035, Grants Work in a Congressional Office, by Maria Kreiser; CRS
Report RL33209, Casework in a Congressional Office: Background, Rules, Laws, and Resources, by R. Eric Petersen
and Sarah J. Eckman; and CRS Report RL33213, Congressional Nominations to U.S. Service Academies: An Overview
and Resources for Outreach and Management, by R. Eric Petersen and Sarah J. Eckman.
. Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
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Data Tables
Table 1. Senate Staff Levels by Category, 1977-20202022
Year
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987 1988
Senators’ Offices Senators’ Offices
2,068 2,068
2,215 2,215
2,173 2,173
2,296 2,296
2,308 2,308
2,385 2,385
2,454 2,454
2,430 2,430
2,409 2,409
2,474 2,474
3,286 3,286 3,393
Committee Committee
1,084 1,084
1,244 1,244
1,209 1,209
1,307 1,307
1,161 1,161
1,228 1,228
1,200 1,200
1,191 1,191
1,137 1,137
1,177 1,177
1,150 1,150
1,147 Leadership Leadership
44 44
103 103
55 55
49 49
119 119
132 132
136 136
138 138
121 121
131 131
132 132
133 Officers and Officials Officers and Officials
201 201
213 213
230 230
261 261
253 253
264 264
327 327
354 354
376 376
398 398
348 348
276 Totals Totals
3,397 3,397
3,775 3,775
3,667 3,667
3,913 3,913
3,841 3,841
4,009 4,009
4,117 4,117
4,113 4,113
4,043 4,043
4,180 4,180
4,916 4,916
Year
19884,949
Year
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
Senators’ Offices
3,3931999
2000
Senators’ Offices
3,354 3,354
3,445 3,445
3,612 3,612
3,707 3,707
3,593 3,593
3,826 3,826
3,771 3,771
3,773 3,773
3,678 3,678
3,876 3,876
Committee
1,1473,801
3,823
Committee
1,167 1,167
1,174 1,174
1,176 1,176
1,216 1,216
1,141 1,141
1094 1094
915 915
929 929
899 899
955 955
Leadership
133942
979
Leadership
138 138
144 144
146 146
156 156
147 147
163 163
157 157
156 156
166 166
162 162
166 159 Officers and Officials Officers and Officials
276
350 350
340 340
321 321
362 362
425 425
393 393
388 388
353 353
353 353
280 280
Totals
4,949282
279
Totals
5,009 5,009
5,103 5,103
5,255 5,255
5,441 5,441
5,306 5,306
5,476 5,476
5,231 5,231
5,211 5,211
5,096 5,096
5,273 5,273
Year
1999
20005,191
5,240
Year
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
Senators’ Offices
3,801
3,8232010
2011
2012
Senators’ Offices
3,639 3,639
3,855 3,855
3,915 3,915
4,091 4,091
4,047 4,047
4,232 4,232
4,044 4,044
4,221 4,221
4,029 4,029
Committee
942
9794,346
4,180
4,219
Committee
915 915
1,071 1,071
1,047 1,047
1,126 1,126
1,078 1,078
1,146 1,146
1,147 1,147
1,182 1,182
1,153 1,153
Leadership
166
1591,246
1,262
1,200
Leadership
154 154
166 166
176 176
167 167
193 193
220 220
204 204
182 182
175 175
Officers and Officials
282
279180
126
234
Officers and Officials
260 260
282 282
309 309
315 315
297 297
325 325
326 326
361 361
372 372
Totals
5,191
5,240396
372
311
Totals
4,968 4,968
5,374 5,374
5,447 5,447
5,699 5,699
5,615 5,615
5,923 5,923
5721 5721
5946 5946
5732 5732
Year6168
5,940
5,964
Year
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Senators’ Offices
4,346
4,180
4,2192021
2022
Senators’ Offices
4,037 4,037
4,071 4,071
3,965 3,965
4,120 4,120
4,035 4,035
4,112 4,112
– –
4,094 4,094
Committee
1,246
1,262
1,200–
4,162
Committee
1,116 1,116
1,131 1,131
1,114 1,114
1,153 1,153
1,110 1,110
1,137 1,137
– –
1,099 1,099
Leadership
180
126
234–
1,
194
Leadership
164 164
158 158
177 177
160 160
173 173
172 172
– –
143 143
Officers and Officials
396
372
311–
191
Officers and Officials
379 379
398 398
381 381
316 316
315 315
357 357
– –
381 381
Totals
6168
5,940
5,964–
467
Totals
5,696 5,696
5,758 5,758
5,637 5,637
5,749 5,749
5,633 5,633
5,778 5,778
– –
5,717 5,717
– 6,019 Source: Senate telephone directories, CRS calculations. Senate telephone directories, CRS calculations.
Notes:All categories are based on a ful count of directory listings. Senate telephone directories published in 1981, 1996, 2009, and 2013 provided listings for 99 Senate telephone directories published in 1981, 1996, 2009, and 2013 provided listings for 99
Senators’ offices. Data exclude Senate staff working for the President of the Senate and the President Pro Tempore. The Senators’ offices. Data exclude Senate staff working for the President of the Senate and the President Pro Tempore. Theaverage number of Senate in those offices
between 1977 and 2020 is nine. The Senate did not publish a directory in 2019Senate did not publish a directory in 2019, and published a 2021-2022 directory in 2022. Before 1987, the Senate directories did not list congressional staff in Senators’ state . Before 1987, the Senate directories did not list congressional staff in Senators’ state
offices. Therefore, the staffing levels for “Senators’ Offices,” as well as the “Totals” from 1977 to 1986, do not reflect the same data as the years 1987 to 2020.
CRS-6
Senate Staff Levels in Member, Committee, Leadership, and Other Offices, 1977-2020offices.
CRS-6
Senate Staff Levels, 1977-2022
Table 2. Staff Working in Senators’ Offices, 1977-20202022
Year
DC Staff
State Staff
All Member Staff
DC %
State %
1977 1977
2,068 2,068
1978 1978
2,215 2,215
1979 1979
2,173 2,173
1980 1980
2,296 2,296
1981 1981
2,308 2,308
1982 1982
2,385 2,385
1983 1983
2,454 2,454
1984 1984
2,430 2,430
1985 1985
2,409 2,409
1986 1986
2,474 2,474
1987 1987
2,351 2,351
935 935
3,286 3,286
71.55% 71.55%
28.45% 28.45%
1988 1988
2,449 2,449
944 944
3,393 3,393
72.18% 72.18%
27.82% 27.82%
1989 1989
2,381 2,381
973 973
3,354 3,354
70.99% 70.99%
29.01% 29.01%
1990 1990
2,430 2,430
1,015 1,015
3,445 3,445
70.54% 70.54%
29.46% 29.46%
1991 1991
2,439 2,439
1,173 1,173
3,612 3,612
67.52% 67.52%
32.48% 32.48%
1992 1992
2,473 2,473
1,234 1,234
3,707 3,707
66.71% 66.71%
33.29% 33.29%
1993 1993
2,332 2,332
1,261 1,261
3,593 3,593
64.90% 64.90%
35.10% 35.10%
1994 1994
2,474 2,474
1,352 1,352
3,826 3,826
64.66% 64.66%
35.34% 35.34%
1995 1995
2,422 2,422
1,349 1,349
3,771 3,771
64.23% 64.23%
35.77% 35.77%
1996 1996
2,397 2,397
1,376 1,376
3,773 3,773
63.53% 63.53%
36.47% 36.47%
1997 1997
2,318 2,318
1,360 1,360
3,678 3,678
63.02% 63.02%
36.98% 36.98%
1998 1998
2,407 2,407
1,469 1,469
3,876 3,876
62.10% 62.10%
37.90% 37.90%
1999 1999
2,375 2,375
1,426 1,426
3,801 3,801
62.48% 62.48%
37.52% 37.52%
2000 2000
2,329 2,329
1,494 1,494
3,823 3,823
60.92% 60.92%
39.08% 39.08%
2001 2001
2,258 2,258
1,381 1,381
3,639 3,639
62.05% 62.05%
37.95% 37.95%
2002 2002
2,334 2,334
1,521 1,521
3,855 3,855
60.54% 60.54%
39.46% 39.46%
2003 2003
2,378 2,378
1,537 1,537
3,915 3,915
60.74% 60.74%
39.26% 39.26%
2004 2004
2,474 2,474
1,617 1,617
4,091 4,091
60.47% 60.47%
39.53% 39.53%
2005 2005
2,436 2,436
1,611 1,611
4,047 4,047
60.19% 60.19%
39.81% 39.81%
2006 2006
2,521 2,521
1,711 1,711
4,232 4,232
59.57% 59.57%
40.43% 40.43%
2007 2007
2,394 2,394
1,650 1,650
4,044 4,044
59.20% 59.20%
40.80% 40.80%
2008 2008
2,496 2,496
1,725 1,725
4,221 4,221
59.13% 59.13%
40.87% 40.87%
2009 2009
2,370 2,370
1,659 1,659
4,029 4,029
58.82% 58.82%
41.18% 41.18%
2010 2010
2,513 2,513
1,833 1,833
4,346 4,346
57.82% 57.82%
42.18% 42.18%
2011 2011
2,417 2,417
1,763 1,763
4,180 4,180
57.82% 57.82%
42.18% 42.18%
2012 2012
2,409 2,409
1,810 1,810
4,219 4,219
57.10% 57.10%
42.90% 42.90%
2013 2013
2,321 2,321
1,716 1,716
4,037 4,037
57.49% 57.49%
42.51% 42.51%
2014 2014
2,340 2,340
1,731 1,731
4,071 4,071
57.48% 57.48%
42.52% 42.52%
2015 2015
2,257 2,257
1,708 1,708
3,965 3,965
56.92% 56.92%
43.08% 43.08%
2016 2016
2,342 2,342
1,778 1,778
4,120 4,120
56.84% 56.84%
43.16% 43.16%
2017 2017
2,347 2,347
1,688 1,688
4,035 4,035
58.17% 58.17%
41.83% 41.83%
2018 2018
2,395 2,395
1,717 1,717
4,112 4,112
58.24% 58.24%
41.76% 41.76%
2019 2019
– –
– –
– –
– –
– –
2020 2020
2,402 2,402
1,692 1,692
4,094 4,094
58.67% 58.67%
41.33% 41.33%
Source: Senate telephone directories, CRS calculations.
Notes: The Senate telephone directory did not provide listings for state-based staff prior to 1987. Senate
telephone directories published in 1981, 1996, 2009, and 2013 provided listings for 99 Senators’ offices. The
Senate did not publish a directory in 2019.
Congressional Research Service
7
Senate Staff Levels in Member, Committee, Leadership, and Other Offices, 1977-2020
Table 3. Senate Committee Staff by Committee, 2017-2020
Committee
2017
2018
2019
2020
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
33
38
-
37
Appropriations
127
125
-
129
Armed Services
49
47
-
52
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
44
42
-
39
Budget
38
41
-
30
Commerce, Science, and Transportation
47
44
-
73
Energy and Natural Resources
47
41
-
43
Environment and Public Works
42
44
-
46
Finance
75
77
-
73
Foreign Relations
53
56
-
60
Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
80
87
-
83
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
100
101
-
95
Judiciary
113
118
-
110
Rules and Administration
15
17
-
23
Small Business and Entrepreneurship
19
17
-
18
Veterans Affairs
21
22
-
26
Select Ethics
11
15
-
15
Indian Affairs
19
21
-
18
Select Intelligence
39
37
-
36
Select Aging
19
22
-
20
Source: Senate telephone directories.
Notes: Committees are listed by names used in the 116th Congress, or most recent year in which the
committee existed. The Senate did not publish a directory in 2019. “-”indicates that no staff were listed for that
year. In some instances this was because the committee did not exist. In other instances, a directory listing for a
panel was identified, but did not list any staff.
Congressional Research Service
8
Senate Staff Levels in Member, Committee, Leadership, and Other Offices, 1977-2020
Table 4. Senate Committee Staff by Committee, 2007-2016
Committee
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
Agriculture, Nutrition,
30
35
32
43
37
39
33
30
34
33
and Forestry
Appropriations
124
121
116
114
119
113
115
125
127
133
Armed Services
51
53
49
50
49
51
45
48
50
49
Banking, Housing, and
41
46
48
60
51
51
47
54
40
44
Urban Affairs
Budget
50
49
45
54
54
50
62
59
47
39
Commerce, Science, and
69
69
69
65
69
71
62
62
74
71
Transportation
Energy and Natural
42
44
47
52
54
51
54
47
43
50
Resources
Environment and Public
41
40
45
44
45
41
43
39
42
37
Works
Finance
82
83
84
84
87
74
80
78
80
77
Foreign Relations
52
46
47
66
63
62
50
51
55
48
Health, Education, Labor,
77
90
89
91
85
83
77
77
89
93
and Pensions
Homeland Security and
89
100
112
127
123
123
93
122
85
104
Governmental Affairs
Judiciary
143
121
106
120
168
125
108
109
112
121
Rules and Administration
22
22
20
23
23
21
21
21
19
18
Small Business and
25
32
31
29
29
29
26
18
16
25
Entrepreneurship
Veterans Affairs
24
25
26
27
22
21
22
20
18
20
Select Ethics
11
11
15
15
14
12
13
14
18
14
Indian Affairs
16
20
20
21
17
24
14
17
21
21
Select Intelligence
37
43
39
42
45
45
43
38
41
40
Select Aging
23
23
13
20
16
15
16
23
19
22
Source: Senate telephone directories.
Notes: Committees are listed by names used in the 116th Congress, or most recent year in which the
committee existed.
Congressional Research Service
9
Senate Staff Levels in Member, Committee, Leadership, and Other Offices, 1977-2020
Table 5. Senate Committee Staff by Committee, 1997-2006
Committee
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
Agriculture, Nutrition, and
26
27
23
27
22
32
27
33
22
29
Forestry
Appropriations
63
61
87
89
102
90
101
118
120
118
Armed Services
45
45
43
47
44
51
47
48
46
48
Banking, Housing, and Urban
41
41
44
42
38
60
41
46
47
46
Affairs
Budget
44
45
44
48
46
52
50
49
47
49
Commerce, Science, and
54
58
51
56
48
59
72
69
64
68
Transportation
Energy and Natural
40
38
37
40
38
43
42
42
46
43
Resources
Environment and Public
34
36
36
43
33
49
53
56
51
50
Works
Finance
45
52
52
46
52
56
60
62
53
63
Foreign Relations
48
51
49
54
55
54
49
56
57
532021
–
–
–
–
–
2022
2,507
1,655
4,162
60.24%
39.76%
Source: Senate telephone directories, CRS calculations.
Congressional Research Service
7
Senate Staff Levels, 1977-2022
Notes: The Senate telephone directory did not provide listings for state-based staff prior to 1987. Senate telephone directories published in 1981, 1996, 2009, and 2013 provided listings for 99 Senators’ offices. The Senate did not publish a directory in 2019, and published a 2021-2022 directory in 2022.
Table 3. Senate Committee Staff by Committee, 2013-2022
Committee
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Agriculture, Nutrition, and
33
30
34
33
33
38
-
37
-
41
Forestry
Appropriations
115
125
127
133
127
125
-
129
-
131
Armed Services
45
48
50
49
49
47
-
52
-
52
Banking, Housing, and Urban
47
54
40
44
44
42
-
39
-
50
Affairs
Budget
62
59
47
39
38
41
-
30
-
37
Commerce, Science, and
62
62
74
71
47
44
-
73
-
71
Transportation
Energy and Natural
54
47
43
50
47
41
-
43
-
44
Resources
Environment and Public Works
43
39
42
37
42
44
-
46
-
52
Finance
80
78
80
77
75
77
-
73
-
71
Foreign Relations
50
51
55
48
53
56
-
60
-
105
Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
77
77
89
93
80
87
-
83
-
94
Health, Education, Labor,
76
85
98
86
76
72
74
90
95
92
and Pensions
Homeland Security and Homeland Security and
78
76
65
85
74
92
82
86
71
109
Governmental Affairs
Judiciary
85
93
84
98
82
112
115
129
127
137Governmental Affairs
93
122
85
104
100
101
-
95
-
105
Judiciary
108
109
112
121
113
118
-
110
-
136
Rules and Administration
21
21
19
18
15
17
-
23
-
26
Small Business and Entrepreneurship
26
18
16
25
19
17
-
18
-
15
Veterans Affairs
22
20
18
20
21
22
-
26
-
14
Select Ethics
13
14
18
14
11
15
-
15
-
16
Indian Affairs
14
17
21
21
19
21
-
18
-
18
Select Intelligence
43
38
41
40
39
37
-
36
-
42
Select Aging
16
23
19
22
19
22
-
20
-
26
Source: Senate telephone directories. Notes: Committees are listed by names used in the 118th Congress. The Senate did not publish a directory in 2019, and published a 2021-2022 directory in 2022. Committee staff data since 1977 are available to congressional staff upon request.
Congressional Research Service
8
Senate Staff Levels, 1977-2022
Author Information
R. Eric Petersen
Tyler L. Wolanin
Specialist in American National Government
Research Assistant
Acknowledgments
Raymond T. Williams, and Lara Chausow, formerly Research Assistants, collected some of the data provided.
Rules and Administration
21
19
15
16
16
18
16
16
19
18
Small Business and
19
17
18
20
22
29
21
22
24
28
Entrepreneurship
Veterans Affairs
21
38
19
16
18
19
20
17
22
23
Select Ethics
8
11
10
11
11
11
9
9
10
10
Indian Affairs
18
15
16
20
18
21
19
18
16
11
Select Intelligence
27
34
33
29
31
32
30
34
28
42
Select Aging
18
20
18
17
10
25
20
19
12
15
Select Year 2000 Technology
-
-
15
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Problem
Source: Senate telephone directories.
Notes: Committees are listed by names used in the 116th Congress, or most recent year in which the
committee existed. “-”indicates that no staff were listed for that year. In some instances this was because the
committee did not exist. In other instances, a directory listing for a panel was identified, but did not list any staff.
Congressional Research Service
10
Senate Staff Levels in Member, Committee, Leadership, and Other Offices, 1977-2020
Table 6. Senate Committee Staff by Committee, 1987-1996
Committee
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
Agriculture, Nutrition, and
30
35
38
45
40
36
36
35
31
31
Forestry
Appropriations
78
78
84
80
79
81
78
72
71
61
Armed Services
46
49
49
49
50
48
47
49
43
43
Banking, Housing, and
34
31
44
49
50
51
49
48
40
42
Urban Affairs
Budget
61
61
54
58
58
55
56
52
46
39
Commerce, Science, and
76
75
72
70
70
72
73
67
59
61
Transportation
Energy and Natural
44
46
48
50
50
51
49
48
42
44
Resources
Environment and Public
46
47
48
50
47
47
37
39
37
37
Works
Finance
54
54
54
54
58
57
49
49
47
53
Foreign Relations
54
57
57
51
69
67
66
58
47
51
Health, Education, Labor,
95
107
104
102
106
102
93
108
81
79
and Pensions
Homeland Security and
88
92
97
92
93
96
96
86
61
63
Governmental Affairs
Judiciary
101
100
98
111
105
119
106
106
86
93
Rules and Administration
29
27
27
28
27
28
27
25
18
18
Small Business and
22
20
21
22
21
21
19
22
19
20
Entrepreneurship
Veterans Affairs
25
26
25
26
24
26
21
21
18
17
Select Ethics
9
7
9
11
11
10
11
12
11
9
Indian Affairs
23
41
26
23
22
28
20
20
14
16
Select Intelligence
38
40
41
40
40
41
32
36
24
30
Select Aging
24
26
30
32
33
32
26
23
16
20
Select POW/MIA Affairs
-
-
-
-
-
15
-
-
-
-
Select Impeachment Trials
-
-
2
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Select Investigations
-
-
20
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Select Iran-Contra
53
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Source: Senate telephone directories.
Notes: Committees are listed by names used in the 116th Congress, or most recent year in which the
committee existed. “-”indicates that no staff were listed for that year. In some instances this was because the
committee did not exist. In other instances, a directory listing for a panel was identified, but did not list any staff.
Congressional Research Service
11
Senate Staff Levels in Member, Committee, Leadership, and Other Offices, 1977-2020
Table 7. Senate Committee Staff by Committee, 1977-1986
Committee
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
Agriculture, Nutrition, and
28
37
30
35
33
34
35
32
33
32
Forestry
Appropriations
69
67
74
89
63
76
81
81
80
82
Armed Services
28
29
27
27
36
34
37
39
42
42
Banking, Housing, and Urban
39
49
43
46
38
39
33
29
29
31
Affairs
Budget
47
79
67
77
63
70
73
74
68
63
Commerce, Science, and
89
91
83
92
77
88
78
78
80
78
Transportation
Energy and Natural Resources
40
51
52
55
49
52
49
51
48
48
Environment and Public
30
33
38
38
52
51
54
51
49
50
Works
Finance
28
34
36
40
45
50
45
53
54
55
Foreign Relations
63
57
55
68
62
62
61
62
60
61
Health, Education, Labor, and
93
122
118
121
118
123
123
112
101
105
Pensions
Homeland Security
108
153
140
156
113
121
120
117
94
99
Governmental Affairs
Judiciary
119
144
139
153
120
135
116
119
121
126
Rules and Administration
27
30
30
31
30
32
29
28
29
28
Small Business and
22
21
23
23
22
23
24
21
22
21
Entrepreneurship
Veterans Affairs
18
19
20
23
20
22
22
20
21
25
Select Ethics
2
9
15
12
17
13
12
10
8
8
Indian Affairs
0
25
26
15
13
14
19
20
19
23
Select Intelligence
40
46
43
46
41
41
41
36
32
47
Select Aging
19
19
19
21
28
28
25
34
25
27
Select Nutrition and Human
14
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Needs
Select Senate Committee
5
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Systems
Select Transition Staff for
13
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Former Postal Workers
Source: Senate telephone directories.
Notes: Committees are listed by names used in the 116th Congress, or most recent year in which the
committee existed. “-”indicates that no staff were listed for that year. In some instances this was because the
committee did not exist. In other instances, a directory listing for a panel was identified, but did not list any staff.
Congressional Research Service
12
Senate Staff Levels in Member, Committee, Leadership, and Other Offices, 1977-2020
Table 8. Staff of Active Joint Committees Listed in the Senate Directories, 1977-2020
Joint Committee 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987
Economic
46
51
53
58
46
43
44
44
40
39
35
Library
-
-
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
2
Printing
15
15
16
16
15
16
16
17
17
16
17
Taxation
-
63
60
63
58
59
60
60
62
68
66
Joint Committee 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
Economic
45
44
43
41
44
45
29
35
32
23
25
Library
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
-
-
Printing
17
14
16
14
14
17
16
7
8
9
8
Taxation
64
59
70
66
73
73
71
60
61
56
60
Joint Committee 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
Economic
23
31
21
34
35
36
31
31
35
35
34
Library
-
-
-
-
2
2
2
2
4
4
-
Printing
-
-
1
2
2
4
4
4
4
4
-
Taxation
62
58
57
58
60
65
64
57
55
66
66
Joint Committee 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
Economic
34
29
37
30
17
21
31
35
35
-
28
Library
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Printing
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Taxation
65
63
62
62
62
63
63
62
61
-
54
Source: Senate telephone directories.
Notes: Individual staff members for the joint committees may appear in both the House and the Senate
directories, as they are considered neither solely House nor solely Senate staff. In this table, staff are included
where they appear in the Senate directory. Excludes staff listed at various times since 1977 for the Joint
committees on Inaugural Ceremonies, Atomic Energy, Defense Production, Internal Revenue Service, and
Organization of Congress. Staff data for those panels are available to congressional clients from the author upon
request. “-”indicates that no staff were listed in the relevant chamber for that year. The Senate did not publish a
directory in 2019. In some instances, a directory listing for a panel was identified, but did not list any staff.
Author Information
R. Eric Petersen
Specialist in American National Government
Acknowledgments
Amber Hope Wilhelm, Visual Information Specialist, created and updated the visualizations. Raymond T.
Williams, formerly a Research Assistant, collected some of the data provided. Lara Chausow, formerly a
Research Assistant, was a coauthor of an earlier version of this report and collected some of the data
provided.
Congressional Research Service
13
Senate Staff Levels in Member, Committee, Leadership, and Other Offices, 1977-2020
Disclaimer
This document was prepared by the Congressional Research Service (CRS). CRS serves as nonpartisan This document was prepared by the Congressional Research Service (CRS). CRS serves as nonpartisan
shared staff to congressional committees and Members of Congress. It operates solely at the behest of and shared staff to congressional committees and Members of Congress. It operates solely at the behest of and
under the direction of Congress. Information in a CRS Report should not be relied upon for purposes other under the direction of Congress. Information in a CRS Report should not be relied upon for purposes other
than public understanding of information that has been provided by CRS to Members of Congress in than public understanding of information that has been provided by CRS to Members of Congress in
connection with CRS’s institutional role. CRS Reports, as a work of the United States Government, are not connection with CRS’s institutional role. CRS Reports, as a work of the United States Government, are not
subject to copyright protection in the United States. Any CRS Report may be reproduced and distributed in subject to copyright protection in the United States. Any CRS Report may be reproduced and distributed in
its entirety without permission from CRS. However, as a CRS Report may include copyrighted images or its entirety without permission from CRS. However, as a CRS Report may include copyrighted images or
material from a third party, you may need to obtain the permission of the copyright holder if you wish to material from a third party, you may need to obtain the permission of the copyright holder if you wish to
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Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
R43946 R43946 · VERSION910 · UPDATED
149
periods were characterized in part by increases in the number of staff working in periods were characterized in part by increases in the number of staff working in Tyler L. Wolanin chamber leadership offices, and, chamber leadership offices, and,
except for apparent declines in 2016-2018, increases in except for apparent declines in 2016-2018, increases in Research Assistant the staffing of chamber officers and officials. Additionally, the staffing of chamber officers and officials. Additionally,
staff working for Senators staff working for Senators have shifted from committees to personal offices. Some of these changes may be have shifted from committees to personal offices. Some of these changes may be
indicative of the growth of the Senate as an institution, or the value the chamber places indicative of the growth of the Senate as an institution, or the value the chamber places on its various activities. on its various activities.
This report is one of several CRS products focusing on congressional staff. Others can be accessed through CRS This report is one of several CRS products focusing on congressional staff. Others can be accessed through CRS
Report R44688, Report R44688, Congressional Staff: CRS Products
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
link to page 4 link to page 4 link to page link to page 4 link to page 4 link to page
Contents
Senate Staffing................................................................................................................................. 1
Senate Staff Data Collection ..................................................................................................... 1
Senate Staff Data .......................................................................................................................
Staff in Senators’ Offices ....................................................................................................
Committees ......................................................................................................................... 4
Leadership Offices .............................................................................................................. 4
Officers and Officials .......................................................................................................... 4
Presiding Officers ...............................................................................................................
Discussion .......................................................................................................................................
Data Tables ...................................................................................................................................... 6
Figures
Figure 1. Senate Staff Levels by Category, 1977-
Tables
Table 1. Senate Staff Levels by Category, 1977-
Table 2. Staff Working in Senators’ Offices, 1977-
Table 3. Senate Committee Staff by Committee,
Contacts
Author Information .......................................................................................................................... 9
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
link to page 6 link to page 9 link to page 9 link to page 6 link to page 9 link to page 9 Senate Staff Levels
he he
priorities of that organization. priorities of that organization.
T In Congress, employing authorities hire staff to carry out duties in Member T In Congress, employing authorities hire staff to carry out duties in Member
committee, leadership, and other settings. The extent to which staff in those settings change may committee, leadership, and other settings. The extent to which staff in those settings change may
lend insight into the Senate’s work over time. Some of the insights that might be taken from staff lend insight into the Senate’s work over time. Some of the insights that might be taken from staff
levels include levels include
working individually through their personal offices, or working individually through their personal offices, or working collectively, through collectively, through
committee activities; committee activities;
congressional oversight, or deployment of staff; and congressional oversight, or deployment of staff; and
This report provides staffing levels in Senators’, This report provides staffing levels in Senators’,
1977.1977.1 No Senate No Senate
staff working in the staff working in the
chamber entity (offices ofchamber entity (offices of Senators,Senators, committees, leaders, officers, officials, and other entities) in committees, leaders, officers, officials, and other entities) in
Senate telephone directorieSenate telephone directories. Figure 1 displays overall staffing levels in the Senate. displays overall staffing levels in the Senate.
Table 1 in the in the “Data Tables”
in the Senate through in the Senate through
Senate Staffing
Senate Staff Data Collection
Data compiled for this report are based on a count of staff listed in the Senate telephone Data compiled for this report are based on a count of staff listed in the Senate telephone
directories published since 1977.directories published since 1977.
potential benefits and potential drawbacks. Telephone directories were chosen for a number of potential benefits and potential drawbacks. Telephone directories were chosen for a number of
reasons, including the following: reasons, including the following:
information about the institution that are widely available; information about the institution that are widely available;
staff working for the Senate; staff working for the Senate;
distinguish only between locations in Washington, DC, distinguish only between locations in Washington, DC,
breakdown of Senate staff by internal organization at a particular moment in breakdown of Senate staff by internal organization at a particular moment in
time;time;3 and and
across a period of decades. across a period of decades.
At the same time, however, data presented below should be interpreted with care for At the same time, however, data presented below should be interpreted with care for
reasons, including the following: reasons, including the following:
the the
telephone directories telephone directories
difficult. difficult.
individuals who are no longer employed by the Senate, then relying on them individuals who are no longer employed by the Senate, then relying on them
not always list staff in various entities the same way.not always list staff in various entities the same way.
regarding the reliability of telephone directory data as a means for identifying regarding the reliability of telephone directory data as a means for identifying
congressional staff levels within the Senate over time. congressional staff levels within the Senate over time.
directory under more than one entity. directory under more than one entity.
more than once. This could lead to a more accurate count of staff in specific more than once. This could lead to a more accurate count of staff in specific
entities within the Senate, but multiple listings may also lead to an overcount of entities within the Senate, but multiple listings may also lead to an overcount of
total staff working in the chamber. staff working in the chamber.
for some entities. This could lead to counting staff doing similar work in both for some entities. This could lead to counting staff doing similar work in both
years in different categories, or in different offices. years in different categories, or in different offices.
and a committee. and a committee.
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
2 2
link to page 6 link to page 9 link to page 9 link to page 6 link to page 9 link to page 9
Senate Staff Levels
number of staff in the Senate grew steadily from 3,397 in 1977 to 4,180 in 1986, or 23.05%. number of staff in the Senate grew steadily from 3,397 in 1977 to 4,180 in 1986, or 23.05%.
Figure 1 displays staff levels displays staff levels
state-based staffstate-based staff
Table 1 in the in the “Data Tables”
Figure 1. Senate Staff Levels by Category, 1977-
Source: Senate telephone directories, CRS calculations. Senate telephone directories, CRS calculations.
Notes:
President of the Senate and the President Pro Tempore. The President of the Senate and the President Pro Tempore. The Senate did not publish a directory in 2019 and published a directory covering 2021-2022 in 2022.
Staff in Senators’ Offices
Staff in Senators’ offices grew from 2,068 in 1977 to 2,474 in 1986, or 19.63%. Due to the Staff in Senators’ offices grew from 2,068 in 1977 to 2,474 in 1986, or 19.63%. Due to the
addition of staff data in Senators’ state offices to the telephone directories beginning in 1987, addition of staff data in Senators’ state offices to the telephone directories beginning in 1987,
comparisons of total staff before 1986 are not possible, but staff in Senators’ Washington, DC, comparisons of total staff before 1986 are not possible, but staff in Senators’ Washington, DC,
offices continued to grow. In offices continued to grow. In
grown from 3,286 in 1987 to 4,grown from 3,286 in 1987 to 4,
overall Senate staff. The average proportion between 1987 and Senate staff. The average proportion between 1987 and
Most of the growth in Senators’ staffs since 1987 appears to have been among state-based staff, Most of the growth in Senators’ staffs since 1987 appears to have been among state-based staff,
which nearly doubled in size from 935 in 1987 to 1,which nearly doubled in size from 935 in 1987 to 1,
DC, offices than in state offices, but the percentage of Senators’ staff based in states has grown DC, offices than in state offices, but the percentage of Senators’ staff based in states has grown
steadily since 1987, while the number of staff in Senators’ Washington, DC, offices has remained steadily since 1987, while the number of staff in Senators’ Washington, DC, offices has remained
relatively flat. In relatively flat. In
Senators’ offices did so in Washington, DC, down from a high of 72.18% in 1988Senators’ offices did so in Washington, DC, down from a high of 72.18% in 1988. Table 2 in the in the
“Data Tables” section below provides the number of staff working in Senators’ offices in section below provides the number of staff working in Senators’ offices in
Washington, DC, and state offices. Washington, DC, and state offices.
Committees
Senate committee staff levels have shown the smallest change among Senate staff categories, Senate committee staff levels have shown the smallest change among Senate staff categories,
increasing from 1,084 in 1977 to 1,increasing from 1,084 in 1977 to 1,
may be characterized in five stages: an increase during 1977-1980 (20.57%); a period of decline may be characterized in five stages: an increase during 1977-1980 (20.57%); a period of decline
in 1980-1999 (-27.93%); a period of growth from 1999 to 2011 (33.97%); a decline in 2011-2013 in 1980-1999 (-27.93%); a period of growth from 1999 to 2011 (33.97%); a decline in 2011-2013
Between 1987 and 2020, committee staff comprised a decreasing proportion of Senate staff, Between 1987 and 2020, committee staff comprised a decreasing proportion of Senate staff,
falling from a peak of 23.39% of Senate staff in 1987 to a low of 17.49% of staff in 1995. The falling from a peak of 23.39% of Senate staff in 1987 to a low of 17.49% of staff in 1995. The
proportion of Senate committee staff grew to 19.proportion of Senate committee staff grew to 19.
Leadership Offices
The number of staff in Senate leadership offices grew from 44 in 1977 to The number of staff in Senate leadership offices grew from 44 in 1977 to
170.45%. The number of leadership staff peaked in 2012 at 234. 170.45%. The number of leadership staff peaked in 2012 at 234.
Officers and Officials
Staff working in the offices of Senate officers and officials has increased Staff working in the offices of Senate officers and officials has increased
Staff levels have grown from 201 in 1977 to Staff levels have grown from 201 in 1977 to
decreases in 1988, from 1998decreases in 1988, from 1998
officials’ staff was officials’ staff was
Presiding Officers
The smallest category of staff includes those working in the Senate for the President of the Senate The smallest category of staff includes those working in the Senate for the President of the Senate
and the President Pro Tempore. Staff in those offices ranged from a high of 14 in 1981 to a low of and the President Pro Tempore. Staff in those offices ranged from a high of 14 in 1981 to a low of
between 1977 and between 1977 and
Discussion
Since 1987, the number of staff working for the Senate has grown. There have been increases in Since 1987, the number of staff working for the Senate has grown. There have been increases in
the number of staff working in Senate leadership offices, and larger increases in the staffing of the number of staff working in Senate leadership offices, and larger increases in the staffing of
officers and officials. Staff working for Senators have shifted from committee settings to officers and officials. Staff working for Senators have shifted from committee settings to
leadership settings or leadership settings or
of the Senate as an institution, or the value the chamber places on its various activities. of the Senate as an institution, or the value the chamber places on its various activities.
Congressional Research Service 4 Senate Staff Levels, 1977-2022 One example that may arguably indicate
growth of the number of staff working in growth of the number of staff working in
explanation for explanation for
professionalization and institutionalization of congressional management and administration. professionalization and institutionalization of congressional management and administration.
Some note that as organizations such as governing institutions develop, they identify needs for Some note that as organizations such as governing institutions develop, they identify needs for
expertise and develop specialized practices and processes.expertise and develop specialized practices and processes.
specialization arguably include supporting the legislative process through the drafting of specialization arguably include supporting the legislative process through the drafting of
measures, oversight and support of floor activities, and the management of legislation in a measures, oversight and support of floor activities, and the management of legislation in a
bicameral, partisan environment. Another potential explanation related to a more institutionalized, bicameral, partisan environment. Another potential explanation related to a more institutionalized,
professionalized Congress could be professionalized Congress could be
could arise as a result of congressional use of communications technologies, and the deployment could arise as a result of congressional use of communications technologies, and the deployment
of systematic, professionalized human resources processes, business operations, and financial of systematic, professionalized human resources processes, business operations, and financial
management. management.
administrative activities may explain increases among staff working for chamber leaders, and administrative activities may explain increases among staff working for chamber leaders, and
officers and officials. officers and officials.
In another example In another example that may indicate changes in the value the chamber places on various activities, the distribution of staff working directly for Senators has shifted from , the distribution of staff working directly for Senators has shifted from
committee settings to personal office settings. Staff in Member offices has grown while staff in committee settings to personal office settings. Staff in Member offices has grown while staff in
Senate committees has decreased, both in real numbers and in percentage of total staff. This may Senate committees has decreased, both in real numbers and in percentage of total staff. This may
represent a shift from collective congressional activities typically carried out in committeesrepresent a shift from collective congressional activities typically carried out in committees,
carried out in Senators’ personal officescarried out in Senators’ personal offices,
service and education, and political activityservice and education, and political activity
. Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
5 5
Data Tables
Table 1. Senate Staff Levels by Category, 1977-
Year
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987 1988
Senators’ Offices Senators’ Offices
2,068 2,068
2,215 2,215
2,173 2,173
2,296 2,296
2,308 2,308
2,385 2,385
2,454 2,454
2,430 2,430
2,409 2,409
2,474 2,474
3,286 3,286 3,393
Committee Committee
1,084 1,084
1,244 1,244
1,209 1,209
1,307 1,307
1,161 1,161
1,228 1,228
1,200 1,200
1,191 1,191
1,137 1,137
1,177 1,177
1,150 1,150
1,147 Leadership Leadership
44 44
103 103
55 55
49 49
119 119
132 132
136 136
138 138
121 121
131 131
132 132
133 Officers and Officials Officers and Officials
201 201
213 213
230 230
261 261
253 253
264 264
327 327
354 354
376 376
398 398
348 348
276 Totals Totals
3,397 3,397
3,775 3,775
3,667 3,667
3,913 3,913
3,841 3,841
4,009 4,009
4,117 4,117
4,113 4,113
4,043 4,043
4,180 4,180
4,916 4,916
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
3,354 3,354
3,445 3,445
3,612 3,612
3,707 3,707
3,593 3,593
3,826 3,826
3,771 3,771
3,773 3,773
3,678 3,678
3,876 3,876
1,167 1,167
1,174 1,174
1,176 1,176
1,216 1,216
1,141 1,141
1094 1094
915 915
929 929
899 899
955 955
138 138
144 144
146 146
156 156
147 147
163 163
157 157
156 156
166 166
162 162
166 159 Officers and Officials Officers and Officials
340 340
321 321
362 362
425 425
393 393
388 388
353 353
353 353
280 280
5,009 5,009
5,103 5,103
5,255 5,255
5,441 5,441
5,306 5,306
5,476 5,476
5,231 5,231
5,211 5,211
5,096 5,096
5,273 5,273
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
3,639 3,639
3,855 3,855
3,915 3,915
4,091 4,091
4,047 4,047
4,232 4,232
4,044 4,044
4,221 4,221
4,029 4,029
915 915
1,071 1,071
1,047 1,047
1,126 1,126
1,078 1,078
1,146 1,146
1,147 1,147
1,182 1,182
1,153 1,153
154 154
166 166
176 176
167 167
193 193
220 220
204 204
182 182
175 175
260 260
282 282
309 309
315 315
297 297
325 325
326 326
361 361
372 372
4,968 4,968
5,374 5,374
5,447 5,447
5,699 5,699
5,615 5,615
5,923 5,923
5721 5721
5946 5946
5732 5732
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
4,037 4,037
4,071 4,071
3,965 3,965
4,120 4,120
4,035 4,035
4,112 4,112
– –
4,094 4,094
1,116 1,116
1,131 1,131
1,114 1,114
1,153 1,153
1,110 1,110
1,137 1,137
– –
1,099 1,099
164 164
158 158
177 177
160 160
173 173
172 172
– –
143 143
379 379
398 398
381 381
316 316
315 315
357 357
– –
381 381
5,696 5,696
5,758 5,758
5,637 5,637
5,749 5,749
5,633 5,633
5,778 5,778
– –
5,717 5,717
– 6,019 Source: Senate telephone directories, CRS calculations. Senate telephone directories, CRS calculations.
Notes:
Senators’ offices. Data exclude Senate staff working for the President of the Senate and the President Pro Tempore. The Senators’ offices. Data exclude Senate staff working for the President of the Senate and the President Pro Tempore. The
Table 2. Staff Working in Senators’ Offices, 1977-
Year
DC Staff
State Staff
All Member Staff
DC %
State %
1977 1977
2,068 2,068
1978 1978
2,215 2,215
1979 1979
2,173 2,173
1980 1980
2,296 2,296
1981 1981
2,308 2,308
1982 1982
2,385 2,385
1983 1983
2,454 2,454
1984 1984
2,430 2,430
1985 1985
2,409 2,409
1986 1986
2,474 2,474
1987 1987
2,351 2,351
935 935
3,286 3,286
71.55% 71.55%
28.45% 28.45%
1988 1988
2,449 2,449
944 944
3,393 3,393
72.18% 72.18%
27.82% 27.82%
1989 1989
2,381 2,381
973 973
3,354 3,354
70.99% 70.99%
29.01% 29.01%
1990 1990
2,430 2,430
1,015 1,015
3,445 3,445
70.54% 70.54%
29.46% 29.46%
1991 1991
2,439 2,439
1,173 1,173
3,612 3,612
67.52% 67.52%
32.48% 32.48%
1992 1992
2,473 2,473
1,234 1,234
3,707 3,707
66.71% 66.71%
33.29% 33.29%
1993 1993
2,332 2,332
1,261 1,261
3,593 3,593
64.90% 64.90%
35.10% 35.10%
1994 1994
2,474 2,474
1,352 1,352
3,826 3,826
64.66% 64.66%
35.34% 35.34%
1995 1995
2,422 2,422
1,349 1,349
3,771 3,771
64.23% 64.23%
35.77% 35.77%
1996 1996
2,397 2,397
1,376 1,376
3,773 3,773
63.53% 63.53%
36.47% 36.47%
1997 1997
2,318 2,318
1,360 1,360
3,678 3,678
63.02% 63.02%
36.98% 36.98%
1998 1998
2,407 2,407
1,469 1,469
3,876 3,876
62.10% 62.10%
37.90% 37.90%
1999 1999
2,375 2,375
1,426 1,426
3,801 3,801
62.48% 62.48%
37.52% 37.52%
2000 2000
2,329 2,329
1,494 1,494
3,823 3,823
60.92% 60.92%
39.08% 39.08%
2001 2001
2,258 2,258
1,381 1,381
3,639 3,639
62.05% 62.05%
37.95% 37.95%
2002 2002
2,334 2,334
1,521 1,521
3,855 3,855
60.54% 60.54%
39.46% 39.46%
2003 2003
2,378 2,378
1,537 1,537
3,915 3,915
60.74% 60.74%
39.26% 39.26%
2004 2004
2,474 2,474
1,617 1,617
4,091 4,091
60.47% 60.47%
39.53% 39.53%
2005 2005
2,436 2,436
1,611 1,611
4,047 4,047
60.19% 60.19%
39.81% 39.81%
2006 2006
2,521 2,521
1,711 1,711
4,232 4,232
59.57% 59.57%
40.43% 40.43%
2007 2007
2,394 2,394
1,650 1,650
4,044 4,044
59.20% 59.20%
40.80% 40.80%
2008 2008
2,496 2,496
1,725 1,725
4,221 4,221
59.13% 59.13%
40.87% 40.87%
2009 2009
2,370 2,370
1,659 1,659
4,029 4,029
58.82% 58.82%
41.18% 41.18%
2010 2010
2,513 2,513
1,833 1,833
4,346 4,346
57.82% 57.82%
42.18% 42.18%
2011 2011
2,417 2,417
1,763 1,763
4,180 4,180
57.82% 57.82%
42.18% 42.18%
2012 2012
2,409 2,409
1,810 1,810
4,219 4,219
57.10% 57.10%
42.90% 42.90%
2013 2013
2,321 2,321
1,716 1,716
4,037 4,037
57.49% 57.49%
42.51% 42.51%
2014 2014
2,340 2,340
1,731 1,731
4,071 4,071
57.48% 57.48%
42.52% 42.52%
2015 2015
2,257 2,257
1,708 1,708
3,965 3,965
56.92% 56.92%
43.08% 43.08%
2016 2016
2,342 2,342
1,778 1,778
4,120 4,120
56.84% 56.84%
43.16% 43.16%
2017 2017
2,347 2,347
1,688 1,688
4,035 4,035
58.17% 58.17%
41.83% 41.83%
2018 2018
2,395 2,395
1,717 1,717
4,112 4,112
58.24% 58.24%
41.76% 41.76%
2019 2019
– –
– –
– –
– –
– –
2020 2020
2,402 2,402
1,692 1,692
4,094 4,094
58.67% 58.67%
41.33% 41.33%
Homeland Security and Homeland Security and
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