Order Code RL34752
Senate Committee Party Ratios:
94th - 110th Congresses
November 18, 2008
Lorraine H. Tong
Analyst in American National Government
Government and Finance Division

Senate Committee Party Ratios:
94th - 110th Congresses
Summary
In general, it has been the practice of the Senate to apportion committee seats
to the majority and minority parties in a manner that corresponds closely to the party
strength in the full chamber. This report provides an overview of Senate standing
committee sizes and ratios for the 94th through 110th Congresses. Also included are
data on permanent select committees with legislative jurisdiction. A table for each
Congress shows the party division in the Senate, total number of seats on each
committee, number of seats assigned to the majority and minority parties, and, where
present, number of seats assigned to independents. The tables also provide the
number of majority-minority caucus seat margins in the chamber and for each
committee. A comparison of the Senate majority caucus seats in the chamber and
in committees is provided in a separate table.
During the 17 Congresses referenced in this report, the sizes of committees have
generally increased as have the number of committee assignments a Senator typically
receives. Data from this study indicate that the majority party ratios on committees
roughly approximate the majority party strength in the Senate chamber, regardless
of which party is in control. This report will be updated as events warrant.

Contents
Sources and Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Comparative Analysis of Ratios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
109th and 110th Congresses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Committee Sizes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Committee Caucus Seat Margins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Prospects for the Future . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
List of Tables
Table 1. Comparison of Senate Majority Caucus Seats in Chamber and
Committees: 94th -110th Congress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Table 2. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 110th Congress (2007-2009) . . . . . . . . 7
Table 3. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 109th Congress (2005-2007) . . . . . . . . 8
Table 4. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 108th Congress (2003-2005 ) . . . . . . . 9
Table 5. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 107th Congress (2001-2003) . . . . . . . 10
Table 6. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 106th Congress (1999-2001) . . . . . . . 11
Table 7. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 105th Congress (1997-1999) . . . . . . . 12
Table 8. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 104th Congress (1995-1997) . . . . . . . 13
Table 9. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 103rd Congress (1993-1995) . . . . . . . 14
Table 10. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 102nd Congress (1991-1993) . . . . . 15
Table 11. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 101st Congress (1989-1991) . . . . . . 16
Table 12. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 100th Congress (1987-1989) . . . . . . 17
Table 13. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 99th Congress (1985-1987) . . . . . . . 18
Table 14. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 98th Congress (1983-1985) . . . . . . . 19
Table 15. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 97th Congress (1981-1983) . . . . . . . 20
Table 16. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 96th Congress (1979-1981) . . . . . . 21
Table 17. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 95th Congress (1977-1979) . . . . . . . 22
Table 18. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 94th Congress (1975-1977) . . . . . . . 23

Senate Committee Party Ratios:
94th-110th Congresses
The standing rules of the Senate are silent on the subject of committee party
ratios. The majority and minority leaders, through consultation and negotiation,
determine the apportionment of the committee seats to each party. The leaders
implement this agreement through resolutions electing Senators to committees. This
report provides an overview and data on Senate standing committee party ratios for
the 94th through 110th Congresses (1975-2009). In addition to the standing
committees, data on permanent select committees with legislative jurisdiction are
also included. A comparison of the Senate majority caucus seats in the chamber and
in committees is provided in a separate table.
Sources and Method
Assignment data for each Senate committee for the 94th through the 110th
Congresses were taken from the official committee assignment lists issued by the
Secretary of the Senate, after assignments were made in each Congress.1 Data for the
107th Congress reflect committee ratios established after the Senate reorganization
in June 2001 as a result of the switch in party control.2 The numbers on overall party
strength in the Senate for each Congress were taken from the same lists issued by the
Secretary of the Senate for the 99th through 110th Congresses. Data for the 94th
through 98th Congresses were from the Congressional Directory.
1 The first official list is prepared, excluding preliminary lists, under the direction of the
Secretary of the Senate as a Senate publication. Most of the lists were issued in the spring
of the first session of each Congress. In the 99th Congress, the list used as a source was
marked preliminary, as were all the lists published during the first session of that Congress.
The dates of the publications are footnoted at the end of each table. As noted, the 107th
Congress is an exception due to the unusual circumstances of the equally divided Senate.
2 At the beginning of the 107th Congress, the Senate was divided equally between
Republicans and Democrats. As a result, Democrats chaired all committees for the first 17
days of the session, and Republicans assumed the committee chairmanships following the
inauguration of Vice President Richard Cheney. An historic power sharing agreement,
S.Res. 8, was presented by party leaders and agreed to on Jan. 5, 2001. In June 2001, after
one Republican announced his intention to become an Independent, and switch party
caucuses, the Republicans were reduced to 49 seats and the Democrats, with 50 seats, gained
control of the Senate. A provision of S.Res. 120, agreed to on June 29, 2001, gave the
majority a one seat advantage on each Senate committee (except for the Ethics Committee).
The resolution further provided that no Senator would lose a committee seat by virtue of the
resolution. For more details, see CRS Report RL30881, Senate Organization in the 107th
Congress: Agreements Reached in a Closely Divided Senate
, by Elizabeth Rybicki.

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The tables at the end of the report provide data for each Senate standing
committee and permanent select committee with legislative jurisdictions. A table for
each of the 17 Congresses covered in this report reflects the committees as
established and titled in that Congress. For each Congress, a table shows the party
division in the Senate, total number of seats on each committee, number of seats
assigned to the majority and minority parties and, where present, number of seats
assigned to independents or other party.3 Data for majority-minority caucus seat
margins in the chamber and for each committee are also presented. Vacancies on
committees (as noted in the Secretary’s lists) are counted in individual and overall
committee totals for consistency.
The following statistical information and selected analyses are based on the
tables to illustrate trends over time and to highlight variations from traditional
practices.4
Comparative Analysis of Ratios
In general, it has been the practice of the Senate to apportion committee seats
to the majority and minority parties in a manner that corresponds closely to the party
strength in the full chamber. The data for the 94th through the 110th Congresses
appear to indicate that the practice has been fairly consistent with the historical trend,
with slight majority over-representation in certain instances (with the exception of
the Committee on Ethics, on which equal party strength is required, and the Select
Committee on Intelligence, which by rule has a one-seat majority edge) regardless
of which party has majority status (see Table 1).
During the 17 Congresses, the widest majority-minority party division was in
the 95th Congress. In this Congress, there were 61 majority (Democrat) seats, 38
minority (Republican) seats, and one Independent who caucused with the majority.
Factoring in the Independent, the majority increased its strength to 62 seats with a
majority-minority caucus seat margin of 24 seats.
Congresses with the three narrowest party divisions in the Senate were the 107th,
108th, and 110th Congresses. In the 107th Congress, an Independent played a pivotal
role by caucusing with the majority (Democrat) party which resulted in 51 caucus
seats for the majority (Democrat) and 49 for the minority (Republican).5 In the 110th
Congress, one Independent and one Independent-Democrat both caucused with the
3 A Conservative-Republican, Senator James L. Buckley (who caucused with the
Republicans), was elected to the 94th Congress.
4 It is to be noted that these are not the only sources and methodologies available and that
the use of alternate sources or methodologies will yield different data and findings. The
number of senators representing a particular party may change during a Congress, due to the
death or resignation of a senator, or as a consequence of a Senator changing party affiliation.
The data in this report are from the earliest available information of each Congress
contained in primary documents.
5 Data referenced for the 107th Congress in this report were compiled after the June 2001
party switch. See footnote 2 for details.

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Democrats and consequently shifted the balance of power in favor of the Democrats
which gained majority control in the chamber with 51 caucus seats.6
Thirty years ago, the majority (Democrat) had a substantial numerical advantage
in the three consecutive Congresses: the 94th, 95th, and 96th Congresses. The 94th
Congress witnessed a majority-minority caucus seat margin of 22 in favor of the
majority (Democrat) which held 61 caucus seats. In the 95th Congress, the majority
(Democrat) increased to 62 caucus seats with a caucus margin of 24 seats. The
majority (Democrat) had 59 caucus seats with caucus margin of 18 seats in the 96th
Congress.
109th and 110th Congresses
The total number of committee seats increased from 353 in the 109th Congress
to 372 in the 110th Congress.
In the 109th Congress, the majority (Republican) held 55 seats compared to 44
for the minority (Democrat) with one Independent who caucused with the minority.
The majority-minority caucus seat margin in the chamber was 10, with a caucus seat
margin of 35 in total seats in committees.
In the closely divided 110th Congress, 1 Independent-Democrat and 1
Independent who caucused with the Democrats provided the Democrats with
majority control which resulted in a majority-minority caucus seat margin of 2 in the
chamber, and 18 in total committee seats.
Committee Sizes
During the period examined, there was a total of 22 standing and permanent
select committees with legislative jurisdiction in the 94th Congress, 20 in the 95th
Congress, and 19 from the 96th through the 110th Congresses.
The size of committees in the Congresses covered by this report ranged from 6
(Ethics) to 29 (Appropriations). In all 17 Congresses, the Appropriations Committee
had the distinction of being the largest committee. In the 110th Congress, the
committee had a total of 29 seats: 15 majority (Democrat) and 14 minority
(Republican) seats.
The data indicate that the sizes of Senate committees have generally increased
since the 94th Congress with a corresponding increase in the number of committee
assignments a Senator typically receives. Total committee seats in the 17 Congresses
ranged from 291 in the 95th Congress to 372 in the 110th Congress — an increase of
61 seats, or 21%. Senate Rule XXV, paragraph 4, generally limits the number of
6 In the period examined, Independents were elected to the 94th through 97th Congresses, and
the 107th through 110th Congresses. These Independents caucused with Democrats, while
one Conservative-Republican caucused with the Republicans in the 94th Congress.

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standing committee assignments an individual Senator may have to three.7 However,
Senators now serve, on average, on nearly four standing committees each. The
growth in assignments reflects the interests of Senators in serving on more
committees and the need for party leaders to seek waivers of assignment limits to
assure working control for the majority on critical committees.
Committee Caucus Seat Margins
During these 17 Congresses, the majority-minority caucus seat advantage in the
chamber ranged from two seats in each of the 107th, 108th and 110th Congresses to 24
seats in the 95th Congress. In the 110th Congress, the majority-minority caucus seat
margin was two (49 Democrats, 49 Republicans, with one Independent-Democrat
and one Independent caucusing with the Democrats) in the chamber. In each
committee (except Ethics) there was a majority-minority caucus seat margin of one
seat. The same one-seat margin is also evident in each committee (except Ethics) in
the 107th Congress in which there were 50 majority (Democrat), 49 (Republican), and
one Independent who caucused with the majority.8
In both the 105th and 106th Congresses, in which there were 55 majority
(Republican) seats and 45 (Democrat) seats, there was a two-seat margin in all
committees (except for Ethics and Intelligence). Conversely, in the 101st Congress
the other major party was in control with the same party division: 55 majority
(Democrat) seats and 45 minority (Republican) seats. The seat margins in
committees ranged from one to three seats (except for Ethics), which was close to a
two-seat average.
As noted earlier, the 95th Congress had the widest party division with 24 caucus
seats, but the majority-minority caucus seat margin in committee varied greatly.
Excluding Ethics, the majority-minority caucus seat margins in the committees
ranged from one to seven, with about a third of the 20 standing and permanent select
committees having a three or four seat margin; only one committee (Appropriations)
had a majority-minority caucus seat margin of seven. It would appear that having
gained a clear advantage of such a large majority, the party in control did not perceive
the need to secure a wide margin on every committee.

Prospects for the Future
An examination of committee party ratios in the Senate over the 17 Congresses
suggests a trend: the majority party ratios on committees roughly approximate
majority party strength in the Senate chamber, regardless of which party is in control.
7 The standing rules of the Senate are available at [http://rules.senate.gov/senaterules]. For
further information on committee structure and reforms in the Senate, see CRS Report
RL32112, Reorganization of the Senate: Modern Reform Efforts, by Judy Schneider, Betsy
Palmer, Christopher M. Davis, and Colton Campbell.
8 Data referenced for the 107th Congress in this report were compiled after the June 2001
party switch. See footnote 2 for details.

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Each party has experienced changes in political fortunes; each understands that
the majority of today could become the minority tomorrow. Including the unusual
circumstances of the 107th Congress, majority control of the Senate switched more
than six times since the 96th Congress.
The absence of any standing rules, or any apparent initiatives to establish formal
rules for committee ratios, may indicate that the Senate might continue its long-
standing practice of relying on negotiations between majority and minority party
leaders. Barring any drastic departure from past practice, determination of majority-
minority committee ratios would likely continue to be based on the Senate principles
of custom, consultation, and comity.

CRS-6
Table 1. Comparison of Senate Majority Caucus Seats in
Chamber and Committees: 94th -110th Congress
Senate Chamber
Total Majority
Congress
Majority Party
Majority Caucus
Committee
Seats
Caucus Seats
110th
Democrat
51.0%
52.4%
109th
Republican
55.0%
55.0%
108th
Republican
51.0%
52.7%
107th
Democrat
51.0%
52.4%
106th
Republican
55.0%
55.2%
105th
Republican
55.0%
55.2%
104th
Republican
53.0%
54.4%
103rd
Democrat
56.0%
55.9%
102nd
Democrat
57.0%
56.6%
101st
Democrat
55.0%
55.0%
100th
Democrat
54.0%
54.8%
99th
Republican
53.0%
53.8%
98th
Republican
54.0%
54.7%
97th
Republican
53.0%
54.2%
96th
Democrat
59.0%
58.6%
95th
Democrat
62.0%
61.2%
94th
Democrat
61.0%
60.9%
Note: Data referenced for the 107th Congress in this report were compiled after the June 2001 party
switch. The data in this table include Independents who caucused with the majority party. The last
column presents the percentage of total committee caucus seats of the majority compared to the
majority caucus seats in the in the chamber.

CRS-7
Table 2. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 110th Congress (2007-2009)
Distribution of Seats
Number
Majority-Minority
Total
Majority (D)
Minority (R)
Indp-Dem
Indp
Caucus Seat Margin
Senate Party Strength
100
49
49
1
1
2
Total Committee Seats
372
186
177
4
5
18
Committees
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
21
11
10
1
Appropriations
29
15
14
1
Armed Services
25
12
12
1
1
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
21
11
10
1
Budget
23
11
11
1
1
Commerce, Science, and Transportation
23
12
11
1
Energy and Natural Resources
23
11
11
1
1
Environment and Public Works
19
8
9
1
1
1
Finance
21
11
10
1
Foreign Relations
21
11
10
1
Health, Education, Labor and Pensions
21
10
10
1
1
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
17
8
8
1
1
Indian Affairs
15
8
7
1
Judiciary
19
10
9
1
Rules and Administration
19
10
9
1
Small Business and Entrepreneurship
19
9
9
1
1
Veterans’ Affairs
15
7
7
1
1
Select Committee on Ethics
6
3
3
0
Select Committee on Intelligence
15
8
7
1
Source: The Senate of the United States Committee and Subcommittee Assignments for the One Hundred Tenth Congress, Prepared Under the Direction of Nancy Erickson, Secretary
of the Senate, by David J. Tinsley, Legislative Clerk, April 2, 2007 (Washington: GPO, 2007).
Note: Independent Members caucused with majority (Democrat): Senator Joseph I. Lieberman of Connecticut was reelected in 2006 as an Independent, and became an Independent-
Democrat. Senator Bernard Sanders of Vermont was elected as an Independent.

CRS-8
Table 3. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 109th Congress (2005-2007)
Distribution of Seats
Number
Majority-Minority
Total
Majority (R)
Minority (D)
Indp
Caucus Seat Margin
Senate Party Strength
100
55
44
1
10
Total Committee Seats
353
194
155
4
35
Committees
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
20
11
9
2
Appropriations
28
15
13
2
Armed Services
24
13
11
2
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
20
11
9
2
Budget
22
12
10
2
Commerce, Science, and Transportation
22
12
10
2
Energy and Natural Resources
22
12
10
2
Environment and Public Works
18
10
7
1
2
Finance
20
11
8
1
2
Foreign Relations
18
10
8
2
Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
20
11
8
1
2
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
16
9
7
2
Indian Affairs
14
8
6
2
Judiciary
18
10
8
2
Rules and Administration
18
10
8
2
Small Business and Entrepreneurship
18
10
8
2
Veterans’ Affairs
14
8
5
1
2
Select Committee on Ethics
6
3
3
0
Select Committee on Intelligence
15
8
7
1
Source: The Senate of the United States Committee and Subcommittee Assignments for the One Hundred Ninth Congress, Prepared Under the Direction of Emily J. Reynolds,
Secretary of the Senate, by David J. Tinsley, Legislative Clerk, April 25, 2005 (Washington: GPO, 2005).
Note: Senator James M. Jeffords, an Independent, caucused with the minority (Democrat).

CRS-9
Table 4. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 108th Congress (2003-2005 )
Distribution of Seats
Number
Majority-Minority
Total
Majority (R)
Minority (D)
Indp
Caucus Seat Margin
Senate Party Strength
100
51
48
1
2
Total Committee Seats
370
195
171
4
20
Committees
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
21
11
10
1
Appropriations
29
15
14
1
Armed Services
25
13
12
1
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
21
11
10
1
Budget
23
12
11
1
Commerce, Science, and Transportation
23
12
11
1
Energy and Natural Resources
21
12
9
3
Environment and Public Works
19
10
8
1
1
Finance
21
11
9
1
1
Foreign Relations
19
10
9
1
Governmental Affairs
17
9
8
1
Health, Education, Labor and Pensions
21
11
9
1
1
Indian Affairs
15
8
7
1
Judiciary
19
10
9
1
Rules and Administration
19
10
9
1
Small Business and Entrepreneurship
19
10
9
1
Veterans’ Affairs
15
8
6
1
1
Select Committee on Ethics
6
3
3
0
Select Committee on Intelligence
17
9
8
Source: The Senate of the United States Committee and Subcommittee Assignments for the One Hundred Eighth Congress, Prepared Under the Direction of Emily J. Reynolds, Secretary
of the Senate, by David J. Tinsley, Legislative Clerk, Mar. 31, 2003 (Washington: GPO, 2003).
Note: Senator James M. Jeffords, an Independent, caucused with the minority (Democrat).

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Table 5. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 107th Congress (2001-2003)
Distribution of Seats
Number
Majority-Minority
Total
Majority (D)
Minority (R)
Indp
Caucus Seat Margin
Senate Party Strength
100
50
49
1
2
Total Committee Seats
372
191
177
4
18
Committees
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
21
11
10
1
Appropriations
29
15
14
1
Armed Services
25
13
12
1
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
21
11
10
1
Budget
23
12
11
1
Commerce, Science, and Transportation
23
12
11
1
Energy and Natural Resources
23
12
11
1
Environment and Public Works
19
9
9
1
1
Finance
21
10
10
1
1
Foreign Relations
19
10
9
1
Governmental Affairs
17
9
8
1
Health, Education, Labor and Pensions
21
10
10
1
1
Indian Affairs
15
8
7
1
Judiciary
19
10
9
1
Rules and Administration
19
10
9
1
Small Business and Entrepreneurship
19
10
9
1
Veterans’ Affairs
15
7
7
1
1
Select Committee on Ethics
6
3
3
0
Select Committee on Intelligence
17
9
8
1
Source: The Senate of the United States Committee and Subcommittee Assignments for the One Hundred Seventh Congress, Prepared Under the Direction of Jeri Thomson, Secretary
of the Senate, by David J. Tinsley, Legislative Clerk, Nov. 29, 2001 (Washington: GPO, 2002).
Notes: The data reflect data compiled after the June 2001 party control switch. At the beginning of the 107th Congress, the Senate was divided equally between Republicans and
Democrats. As a result, Democrats chaired all committees for the first 17 days of the session, and Republicans assumed the committee chairmanships following the inauguration of
Vice President Richard Cheney, whose ability to break tie votes made it possible for Republicans to organize the Senate. S.Res. 8, an historic powersharing agreement was presented
by party leaders and agreed to on January 5, 2001. As a result of one Republican announcing his intention to become an Independent and switch party caucuses in May 2001, the
Republicans were reduced to 49 seats and the Democrats, with 50 seats, gained control of the Senate in June 2001. A provision of S.Res. 120, agreed to on June 29, 2001, gave the
majority a one seat advantage on every committee of the Senate (except for the Ethics). The resolution further provided that no Senator would lose a committee seat by virtue of the
resolution.

CRS-11
Table 6. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 106th Congress (1999-2001)
Distribution of Seats

Number
Majority-Minority
Total
Majority (R)
Minority (D)
Caucus Seat Margin
Senate Party Strength
100
55
45
10
Total Committee Seats
339
187
152
35
Committees
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
18
10
8
2
Appropriations
28
15
13
2
Armed Services
20
11
9
2
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
20
11
9
2
Budget
22
12
10
2
Commerce, Science, and Transportation
20
11
9
2
Energy and Natural Resources
20
11
9
2
Environment and Public Works
18
10
8
2
Finance
20
11
9
2
Foreign Relations
18
10
8
2
Governmental Affairs
16
9
7
2
Health, Education, Labor and Pensions
18
10
8
2
Indian Affairs
14
8
6
2
Judiciary
18
10
8
2
Rules and Administration
16
9
7
2
Small Business
18
10
8
2
Veterans’ Affairs
12
7
5
2
Select Committee on Ethics
6
3
3
0
Select Committee on Intelligence
17
9
8
1
Source: The Senate of the United States Committee and Subcommittee Assignments for the One Hundred Sixth Congress, Prepared Under the Direction of Gary Sisco, Secretary of
the Senate by David J. Tinsley, Legislative Clerk, Mar. 29, 1999 (Washington: GPO, 1999).

CRS-12
Table 7. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 105th Congress (1997-1999)
Distribution of Seats
Majority-
Number
Minority
Total
Majority (R)
Minority (D)
Seat Margin
Senate Party Strength
100
55
45
10
Total Committee Seats
337
186
151
35
Committees
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
18
10
8
2
Appropriations
28
15
13
2
Armed Services
18
10
8
2
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
18
10
8
2
Budget
22
12
10
2
Commerce, Science, and Transportation
20
11
9
2
Energy and Natural Resources
20
11
9
2
Environment and Public Works
18
10
8
2
Finance
20
11
9
2
Foreign Relations
18
10
8
2
Governmental Affairs
16
9
7
2
Labor and Human Resources
18
10
8
2
Indian Affairs
14
8
6
2
Judiciary
18
10
8
2
Rules and Administration
16
9
7
2
Small Business
18
10
8
2
Veterans’ Affairs
12
7
5
2
Select Committee on Ethics
6
3
3
0
Select Committee on Intelligence
19
10
9
1
Source: The Senate of the United States Committee and Subcommittee Assignments for the One Hundred Fifth Congress, Prepared Under the Direction of Gary Scisco, Secretary
of the Senate, by R. Scott Bates, Legislative Clerk, Feb. 14, 1997 (Washington: GPO, 1997).

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Table 8. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 104th Congress (1995-1997)
Distribution of Seats
Majority-
Number
Minority
Total
Majority (R)
Minority (D)
Caucus Seat Margin
Senate Party Strength
100
53
47
6
Total Committee Seats
331
180
151
29
Committees
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
17
9
8
1
Appropriations
28
15
13
2
Armed Services
21
11
10
1
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
16
9
7
2
Budget
22
12
10
2
Commerce, Science, and Transportation
19
10
9
1
Energy and Natural Resources
18
10
8
2
Environment and Public Works
16
9
7
2
Finance
20
11
9
2
Foreign Relations
18
10
8
2
Governmental Affairs
15
8
7
1
Labor and Human Resources
16
9
7
2
Indian Affairs
17
9
8
1
Judiciary
18
10
8
2
Rules and Administration
16
9
7
2
Small Business
19
10
9
1
Veterans’ Affairs
12
7
5
2
Select Committee on Ethics
6
3
3
0
Select Committee on Intelligence
17
9
8
1
Source: The Senate of the United States Committee and Subcommittee Assignments for the One Hundred Fourth Congress, Prepared Under the Direction of Sheila P. Burke, Secretary
of the Senate, by R. Scott Bates, Legislative Clerk, Feb. 27, 1995 (Washington: GPO, 1995).

CRS-14
Table 9. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 103rd Congress (1993-1995)
Distribution of Seats
Majority-
Total
Number
Minority
Majority (D)
Minority (R)
Caucus Seat Margin
Senate Party Strength
100
56
44
12
Total Committee Seats
347
194
153
41
Committees
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
18
10
8
2
Appropriations
29
16
13
3
Armed Services
22
12
10
2
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
19
11
8
3
Budget
21
12
9
3
Commerce, Science, and Transportation
20
11
9
2
Energy and Natural Resources
21
12
9
3
Environment and Public Works
17
10
7
3
Finance
20
11
9
2
Foreign Relations
20
11
9
2
Governmental Affairs
14
8
6
2
Labor and Human Resources
17
10
7
3
Indian Affairs
18
10
8
2
Judiciary
18
10
8
2
Rules and Administration
16
9
7
2
Small Business
22
12
10
2
Veterans’ Affairs
12
7
5
2
Select Committee on Ethics
6
3
3
0
Select Committee on Intelligence
17
9
8
1
Source: The Senate of the United States Committees and Subcommittees Assignments for the One Hundred Third Congress, Prepared Under the Direction of Walter J. Stewart, Secretary
of the Senate, by R. Scott Bates, Legislative Clerk, Nov. 22, 1993 (Washington: GPO, 1993). (This publication is marked interim, as were all four of the lists for the First Session of
the 103rd Congress).

CRS-15
Table 10. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 102nd Congress (1991-1993)
Distribution of Seats
Majority-Minority
Total
Number
Seat Margin
Majority (D)
Minority (R)
Senate Party Strength
100
57
43
14
Total Committee Seats
332
188
144
44
Committees
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
18
10
8
2
Appropriations
29
16
13
3
Armed Services
20
11
9
2
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
21
12
9
3
Budget
21
12
9
3
Commerce, Science, and Transportation
20
11
9
2
Energy and Natural Resources
20
11
9
2
Environment and Public Works
17
10
7
3
Finance
19
11
8
3
Foreign Relations
19
11
8
3
Governmental Affairs
13
8
5
3
Labor and Human Resources
17
10
7
3
Judiciary
14
8
6
2
Rules and Administration
16
9
7
2
Small Business
19
11
8
3
Veterans’ Affairs
12
7
5
2
Select Committee on Ethics
6
3
3
0
Select Committee on Indian Affairs
16
9
7
2
Select Committee on Intelligence
15
8
7
1
Source: List of Standing Committees and Subcommittees and Select and Special Committees and Committee Assignments and list of Senators by State of the Senate of the United States
Together with Certain Joint Committees of the Congress for the One Hundred Second Congress,
Prepared Under the Direction of Walter J. Stewart, Secretary of the Senate, by Barry
J. Wolk, Director of Senate Printing Services, Sept. 23, 1991 (Washington: GPO, 1991).

CRS-16
Table 11. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 101st Congress (1989-1991)
Distribution of Seats
Majority-
Number
Total
Minority
Caucus Seat Margin
Majority (D)
Minority (R)
Senate Party Strength
100
55
45
10
Total Committee Seats
327
180
147
33
Committees
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
19
10
9
1
Appropriations
29
16
13
3
Armed Services
20
11
9
2
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
21
12
9
3
Budget
23
13
10
3
Commerce, Science, and Transportation
20
11
9
2
Energy and Natural Resources
19
10
9
1
Environment and Public Works
16
9
7
2
Finance
20
11
9
2
Foreign Relations
19
10
9
1
Governmental Affairs
14
8
6
2
Labor and Human Resources
16
9
7
2
Judiciary
14
8
6
2
Rules and Administration
16
9
7
2
Small Business
19
10
9
1
Veterans’ Affairs
11
6
5
1
Select Committee on Ethics
6
3
3
0
Select Committee on Indian Affairs
10
6
4
2
Select Committee on Intelligence
15
8
7
1
Source: List of Standing Committees and Subcommittees and Subcommittees and Select and Special Committees and Committee Assignments and List of Senators by State of the Senate
of the Untied States Together with Certain Joint Committees of the One Hundred First Congress,
Prepared Under the Direction of Walter J. Stewart, Secretary of the Senate, by Barry
J. Wolk, Director of Senate Printing Services, May 19, 1989 (Washington: GPO, 1989).

CRS-17
Table 12. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 100th Congress (1987-1989)
Distribution of Seats Number
Majority-
Total
Minority
Majority(D)
Minority (R)
Caucus Seat Margin
Senate Party Strength
100
54
46
8
Total Committee Seats
325
178
147
31
Committees
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
19
10
9
1
Appropriations
29
16
13
3
Armed Services
20
11
9
2
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
20
11
9
2
Budget
24
13
11
2
Commerce, Science, and Transportation
20
11
9
2
Energy and Natural Resources
19
10
9
1
Environment and Public Works
16
9
7
2
Finance
20
11
9
2
Foreign Relations
19
10
9
1
Governmental Affairs
14
8
6
2
Labor and Human Resources
16
9
7
2
Judiciary
14
8
6
2
Rules and Administration
16
9
7
2
Small Business
19
10
9
1
Veterans’ Affairs
11
6
5
1
Select Committee on Ethics
6
3
3
0
Special Committee on Indian Affairs
8
5
3
2
Select Committee on Intelligence
15
8
7
1
Source: List of Standing Committees and Subcommittees and Subcommittees and Select and Special Committees and Committee Assignments and List of Senators by State of the Senate
of the Untied States Together with Certain Joint Committees of the One Hundredth Congress,
Prepared Under the Direction of Walter J. Stewart, Secretary of the Senate, by Barry J.
Wolk, Director of Senate Printing Services, July 1, 1987 (Washington: GPO, 1989).

CRS-18
Table 13. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 99th Congress (1985-1987)
Distribution of Seats
Majority-
Total
Number
Minority
Majority (R)
Minority (D)
Caucus Seat Margin
Senate Party Strength
100
53
47
6
Total Committee Seats
312
168
144
24
Committees
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
17
9
8
1
Appropriations
29
15
14
1
Armed Services
19
10
9
1
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
15
8
7
1
Budget
22
12
10
2
Commerce, Science, and Transportation
17
9
8
1
Energy and Natural Resources
18
10
8
2
Environment and Public Works
15
8
7
1
Finance
20
11
9
2
Foreign Relations
17
9
8
1
Governmental Affairs
13
7
6
1
Labor and Human Resources
16
9
7
2
Judiciary
18
10
8
2
Rules and Administration
15
8
7
1
Small Business
19
10
9
1
Veterans’ Affairs
12
7
5
2
Select Committee on Ethics
6
3
3
0
Select Committee on Indian Affairs
9
5
4
1
Select Committee on Intelligence
15
8
7
1
Source: List of Standing Committees and Select and Special committees and Committee Assignments and List of Senators by State of the Senate of the United States Together with
Certain Joint Committees of the Congress for the Ninety-Ninth Congress
(Preliminary), Prepared Under the Direction of Jo-Anne L. Coe, Secretary of the Senate by Barry J. Wolk,
Director of Senate Printing Services, Aug. 1, 1986 (Washington: GPO, 1986).

CRS-19
Table 14. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 98th Congress (1983-1985)
Distribution of Seats
Number
Majority-
Total
Minority
Majority (R)
Minority (D)
Caucus Seat Margin
Senate Party Strength
100
54
46
8
Total Committee Seats
320
175
145
30
Committees
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
18
10
8
2
Appropriations
29
15
14
1
Armed Services
18
10
8
2
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
18
10
8
2
Budget
22
12
10
2
Commerce, Science, and Transportation
17
9
8
1
Energy and Natural Resources
20
11
9
2
Environment and Public Works
16
9
7
2
Finance
20
11
9
2
Foreign Relations
17
9
8
1
Governmental Affairs
18
10
8
2
Judiciary
18
10
8
2
Labor and Human Resources
18
10
8
2
Rules and Administration
12
7
5
2
Small Business
19
10
9
1
Veterans’ Affairs
12
7
5
2
Select Committee on Ethics
6
3
3
0
Select Committee on Indian Affairs
7
4
3
1
Select Committee on Intelligence
15
8
7
1
Source: Congressional Directory, 98th Congress (Washington: GPO, 1983)

CRS-20
Table 15. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 97th Congress (1981-1983)
Distribution of Seats
Majority-Minority
Total
Indp
Caucus Seat
Majority (R)
Minority (D)
Margin
Senate Party Strength
100
53
46
1
6
Total Committee Seats
310
168
140
2
26
Committees
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
17
9
8
1
Appropriations
29
15
14
1
Armed Services
17
9
7
1
1
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
15
8
7
1
Budget
22
12
10
2
Commerce, Science, and Transportation
17
9
8
1
Energy and Natural Resources
20
11
9
2
Environment and Public Works
16
9
7
2
Finance
20
11
8
1
2
Foreign Relations
17
9
8
1
Governmental Affairs
17
9
8
1
Judiciary
18
10
8
2
Labor and Human Resources
16
9
7
2
Rules and Administration
12
7
5
2
Small Business
17
9
8
1
Veterans’ Affairs
12
7
5
2
Select Committee on Ethics
6
3
3
0
Select Committee on Indian Affairs
7
4
3
1
Select Committee on Intelligence
15
8
7
1
Source: Congressional Directory, 97th Congress, 1st sess. (Washington: GPO, 1981).
Note: Senator Harry F. Byrd, Jr., an Independent, caucused with minority.

CRS-21
Table 16. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 96th Congress (1979-1981)
Distribution of Seats
Majority-Minority
Total
Indp
Caucus Seat Margin
Majority (D)
Minority (R)
Senate Party Strength
100
58
41
1
18
Total Committee Seats
292
169
121
2
50
Committees
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
18
10
8
2
Appropriations
28
17
11
6
Armed Services
17
9
7
1
3
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
15
9
6
3
Budget
20
12
8
4
Commerce, Science, and Transportation
17
10
7
3
Energy and Natural Resources
18
11
7
4
Environment and Public Works
14
8
6
2
Finance
20
11
8
1
4
Foreign Relations
15
9
6
3
Governmental Affairs
17
9
8
1
Judiciary
17
10
7
3
Labor and Human Resources
15
9
6
3
Rules and Administration
10
6
4
2
Veterans’ Affairs
10
6
4
2
Select Committee on Ethics
6
3
3
0
Select Committee on Indian Affairs
5
3
2
1
Select Committee on Intelligence
13
7
6
1
Select Committee on Small Business
17
10
7
3
Source: Congressional Directory, 96th Congress, 1st sess. (Washington: GPO, 1979).
Note: Senator Harry F. Byrd, Jr., an Independent, caucused with majority.

CRS-22
Table 17. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 95th Congress (1977-1979)
Distribution of Seats
Majority-Minority
Total
Caucus Seat Margin
Majority (D)
Minority (R)
Indp
Senate Party Strength
100
61
38
1
24
Total Committee Seats
291
176
113
2
65
Committees
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
18
11
7
4
Appropriations
25
16
9
7
Armed Services
18
10
7
1
4
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
15
9
6
3
Budget
16
10
6
4
Commerce, Science, and Transportation
18
11
7
4
Energy and Natural Resources
18
11
7
4
Environment and Public Works
15
9
6
3
Finance
18
10
7
1
4
Foreign Relations
16
10
6
4
Governmental Affairs
17
10
7
3
Human Resources
15
9
6
3
Judiciary
17
11
6
5
Rules and Administration
9
6
3
3
Veterans’ Affairs
9
6
3
3
Select Committee on Indian Affairs
5
3
2
1
Select Committee on Nutrition and Human Needs
8
5
3
2
Select Committee on Small Business
9
6
3
3
Select Committee on Ethics
6
3
3
0
Select Committee on Intelligence
19
10
9
1
Source: Congressional Directory, 95th Congress, 1st sess. (Washington: GPO, 1977).
Note: Senator Harry F. Byrd, Jr., an Independent, caucused with majority.

CRS-23
Table 18. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 94th Congress (1975-1977)
Distribution of Seats
Majority-Minority
Total
Caucus Seat Margin
Majority (D)
Minority (R)
Consrv-Rep
Indp
Senate Party Strength
100
60
38
1
1
22
Total Committee Seats
302
181
116
2
3
66
Committees
Aeronautical and Space Sciences
10
6
4
2
Agriculture and Forestry
14
9
5
4
Appropriations
26
16
10
6
Armed Services
16
9
6
1
4
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
13
8
5
3
Budget
16
10
5
1
4
Commerce
19
12
6
1
5
District of Columbia
7
4
3
1
Finance
18
10
7
1
4
Foreign Relations
17
10
7
3
Governmental Operations
14
9
5
4
Interior and Insular Affairs
14
9
5
4
Judiciary
15
9
6
3
Labor and Public Welfare
15
9
6
3
Post Office and Civil Service
9
5
4
Public Works
14
9
4
1
6
Rules and Administration
8
5
3
2
Veterans’ Affairs
9
5
4
1
Select Committee on Nutrition and Human Needs
14
8
6
2
Select Committee on Small Business
17
10
7
3
Select Committee on Standards and Conduct
6
3
3
0
Select Committee To Study Governmental
11
6
5
1
Operations With Respect to Intelligence Activities
Source: Congressional Directory, 94th Congress, 1st sess. (Washington: GPO, 1975).
Note: Other parties in this Congress: one Independent and one Conservative. Senator Harry F. Byrd, Jr., an Independent, caucused with majority. Senator James L. Buckley, a
Conservative-Republican, caucused with the minority.