Order Code RS20933
Updated July 10, 2003
CRS Report for Congress
Received through the CRS Web
Senate Leadership Structure:
Overview of Party Organization
Judy Schneider
Specialist on the Congress
Government and Finance Division
Summary
Each Congress Senators meet to organize the chamber and select their party
leaders. In addition to the majority and minority leaders and party whips are numerous
entities created by the party to assist with the work of the party. This report serves as
a companion piece to CRS Report RS20887, Senate Leadership: Whip Organization.
Democrats
Democratic Conference: The conference is the caucus of all Democratic Senators and
serves as the central coordinating body. It operates through the Democratic leader’s office
and is responsible for communicating the party’s message. The Democratic leader serves
as chair of the conference, which is also led by an elected secretary.
Democratic Policy Committee: The policy committee is responsible for the formulation
of overall legislative policy. It provides background and analysis of pending legislation,
and organizes briefings and strategy meetings for Democratic Members and staff. The
policy committee is led by a chair, appointed by the Democratic leader, includes three
regional chairs and 14 additional members.
Democratic Steering and Coordination Committee: Often referred to as the steering
committee, this group maintains liaison between the Democratic leadership and
Democratic elected officials around the country. It also is responsible for making
committee assignment recommendations. It is led by a chair, appointed by the
Democratic leader, who is assisted by a 16-member executive committee.
Democratic Technology and Communications Committee: This group offers radio,
television, and Internet services to Democratic Senators and their press staff by providing
facilities and technological assistance. It is led by a chair, appointed by the Democratic
leader, who is assisted by a 10-member executive committee.
Congressional Research Service ˜ The Library of Congress

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CRS-2
Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee: This panel is the fund-raising arm of the
Senate Democrats that provides financial and research assistance to Democratic Senators
seeking reelection and to non-incumbent Democratic Senate nominees. It is led by a chair
appointed by the Democratic leader, vice-chair, treasurer, and an 17 member board of
trustees.
Republicans
Republican Conference: The Republican Conference is the organizational vehicle for
Republican Members and their staff. It hosts periodic meetings of Senate Republicans
and is the primary vehicle for communicating the party’s message. The conference is led
by an elected chair and vice-chair.
Republican Policy Committee: The policy committee assists Senate leaders and
committee chairs in designing, developing, and executing policy ideas. The policy
committee hosts a weekly lunch meeting of Republican Senators and provides summaries
of major bills and amendments, prepares analyses of rollcall votes, and distributes issue
papers. It is led by an elected chair, and comprises members of the party leadership, the
chairs of selected committees, and members designated by the Republican leader to serve
on an executive committee.
Republican Steering Committee: The steering committee is responsible for making
committee assignment recommendations. It is led by a chair appointed by the Republican
leader and a four-member executive committee.
Republican Senatorial Committee: The campaign committee oversees the political and
fund-raising efforts of Senate Republicans. It is led by a chair appointed by the
Republican leader and a five-member executive committee.

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