Senate Committee Party Ratios: 94th - 111th
Congresses
Lorraine H. Tong
Analyst in American National Government
November 23, 2010
Congressional Research Service
7-5700
www.crs.gov
RL34752
CRS Report for Congress
P
repared for Members and Committees of Congress
Senate Committee Party Ratios: 94th - 111th Congresses
Summary
The standing rules of the Senate are silent on the subject of committee party ratios. The
apportionment of committee seats results from discussions between majority and minority party
leadership. Committee assignments and ratios are among the first decisions made at the beginning
of a Congress. The leaders implement any ratio agreement through resolutions electing Senators
to committees. 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. Findings 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 provides an overview of Senate standing committee sizes and ratios in
18 Congresses, covering the period of the 94th through the 111th Congresses (1975-2011). Also
included are data on select committees with legislative jurisdiction. This report also discusses
trends and compares party ratios in selected Congresses.
During the 18 Congresses examined, the sizes of committees have generally increased as have the
number of committee assignments a Senator typically receives. Each table includes the standing
committees and select committees as established and titled in each Congress. For each Congress,
a table presents the party divisions in the Senate and the total number of seats (1) in the chamber,
(2) in committees, (3) on each committee, (4) assigned to the majority and minority parties and to
Independents and other parties (where present), and (5) majority and minority party seats on each
committee. Data are also provided for the majority-minority seat margin in the chamber, on each
committee, as well as the total seat margin for all standing committees and the select committee.
A comparison of the Senate majority caucus size in the chamber and in committees is provided in
a separate table.
The committee ratios data for the 99th through 111th Congresses are taken from the official
committee lists for each Congress issued by the Secretary of the Senate; the Congressional
Directory is the source for the 94th through 98th Congresses. The earliest editions of these primary
documents are the sources for the data, although anomalies in some Congresses, such as delays in
seating a Senator due to contested elections, necessitated using later versions of the publications.
Use of other versions of these publications, and alternate sources or methodologies, may yield
different results. For example, using data from other sources or time frames reflecting 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, and could
lead to alternate findings. Party division numbers reflect party strength as indicated in the
Secretary’s lists and the Congressional Directory. Different versions of the Secretary’s list and the
Congressional Directory, or the use of alternate sources or methodologies, may yield different
results.
This report will be updated in the 112th Congress.
Congressional Research Service
Senate Committee Party Ratios: 94th - 111th Congresses
Contents
Sources and Method.................................................................................................................... 1
Comparative Analysis of Ratios .................................................................................................. 2
110th and 111th Congresses..................................................................................................... 3
Committee Sizes ................................................................................................................... 3
Committee Caucus Seat Margins ........................................................................................... 4
Prospects for the Future............................................................................................................... 5
Tables
Table 1. Comparison of Senate Majority Caucus Members in Chamber and Committees:
94th -111th Congresses............................................................................................................... 6
Table 2. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 111th Congress (2009-2011).......................................... 7
Table 3. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 110th Congress (2007-2009) ......................................... 8
Table 4. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 109th Congress (2005-2007) ......................................... 9
Table 5. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 108th Congress (2003-2005 ) ...................................... 10
Table 6. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 107th Congress (2001-2003) ....................................... 11
Table 7. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 106th Congress (1999-2001) ....................................... 12
Table 8. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 105th Congress (1997-1999) ....................................... 13
Table 9. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 104th Congress (1995-1997) ....................................... 14
Table 10. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 103rd Congress (1993-1995) ..................................... 15
Table 11. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 102nd Congress (1991-1993)..................................... 16
Table 12. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 101st Congress (1989-1991)...................................... 17
Table 13. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 100th Congress (1987-1989) ..................................... 18
Table 14. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 99th Congress (1985-1987) ....................................... 19
Table 15. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 98th Congress (1983-1985) ....................................... 20
Table 16. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 97th Congress (1981-1983) ....................................... 21
Table 17. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 96th Congress (1979-1981) ....................................... 22
Table 18. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 95th Congress (1977-1979) ....................................... 23
Table 19. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 94th Congress (1975-1977) ....................................... 24
Contacts
Author Contact Information ...................................................................................................... 25
Congressional Research Service
Senate Committee Party Ratios: 94th - 111th Congresses
he standing rules of the Senate are silent on the subject of committee party ratios.
Committee assignments and ratios are among the first decisions made at the beginning of a
T Congress. The majority and minority leaders, through consultation and negotiation,
determine the relative 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 18 Congresses covering the 94th
through the 111th Congresses (1975-2011). In addition to the standing committees, data on
permanent select committees with legislative jurisdiction are also included. A comparison of the
Senate majority caucus1 size in the chamber and in committees is provided in a separate table.2
Sources and Method
Assignment data for each Senate committee for the 94th through the 111th Congresses in these 18
Congresses were taken from the official committee assignment lists issued by the Secretary of the
Senate, after assignments were made in each Congress.3 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.4 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 111th
Congresses.5 The Secretary of the Senate began issuing these committee lists in the 99th Congress,
thus, data for the 94th through 98th Congresses were taken from the Congressional Directory.6 The
data in this report are from the earliest available complete information of each Congress
contained in these two primary documents.7 Vacancies on committees (if so noted in the
secretaries’ lists or the Congressional Directory) are counted in individual and overall committee
1 Senate Democrats and Republicans currently refer to their respective party organizations as “conferences.” The term
“caucus” has been used interchangeably. For the purposes of this report, the word “caucus” is used to describe each
organization.
2 Committee ratios rarely match exactly the chamber ratio, particularly with regard to small committees.
3 Data are generally taken from the first official list prepared as a Senate publication, excluding lists marked “interim”
or “preliminary” which may be incomplete, under the direction of the Secretary of the Senate. There were some
anomalies during the period examined in this report. For example, most of the lists were issued in the spring of the first
session of each Congress. In the 99th Congress, all the Secretary’s lists were marked preliminary for the entire
Congress, however, the first and last versions reflect the same full committee data. 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 (see footnote 2). The 94th and 111th Congresses were also exceptions due to contested elections,
which resulted in delaying for months the seating of one Senator in each of these Congresses.
4 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 January 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.
5 Party division data cited in the Secretary’s committees list may differ with party data immediately following the
November elections.
6 The Congressional Directory is published by the U.S. Congress, in partnership with the Government Printing Office,
at the direction of the Joint Committee on Printing (Title 44, Section 721 of the U.S. Code).
7 Anomalies and caveats are noted as appropriate in this report or in table footnotes.
Congressional Research Service
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Senate Committee Party Ratios: 94th - 111th Congresses
totals for consistency. Use of other versions of these publications, and the use of alternate sources
or methodologies, may yield different results. For example, data from other sources or time
frames reflecting 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, and could lead to alternate findings.
A table representing each of the 18 Congresses includes the standing committees and select
committees as established and titled in each Congress. Each table reflects the party divisions in
the Senate and the total number of seats (1) in the chamber, (2) in committees, (3) on each
committee, (4) assigned to the majority and minority parties and to Independents and other party
affiliations (where present)8, and (5) majority and minority party seats on each committee. Data
are also provided for the majority-minority seat margin in the chamber, on each committee, as
well as the total seat margin for all standing committees and select committees. A comparison of
the Senate majority caucus seats in the chamber with total committee seats is provided in Table 1.
The following statistical information and selected analyses are based on the tables to illustrate
trends over time and to highlight variations from traditional practices.
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 111th Congresses bear this out, with slight majority over-
representation in certain instances (with the exception of the Select Committee on Ethics, on
which equal party strength is required, and the Select Committee on Intelligence, which by Senate
standing order has a one-seat majority advantage) regardless of which party has majority status.
Across the 18 Congresses, the widest majority-minority party divisions in the chamber existed in
the 94th and 95th Congresses. In both Congresses, the majority (Democrats) had 62 caucus
members compared to the 38 members in the minority (Republicans).
The 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 (Democrats) party which resulted in 51 caucus seats for the majority (Democrats)
and 49 for the minority (Republicans).9 In the 110th Congress, one Independent and one
Independent-Democrat both caucused with the Democrats and consequently shifted the balance
of power in favor of the Democrats, who gained majority control in the chamber with 51 caucus
members.10
8 A Conservative-Republican, Senator James L. Buckley (who caucused with the Republicans), was elected to the 94th
Congress. Senator Joseph I. Lieberman, formerly a Democrat, was reelected in 2006 as an Independent and is identified
as an Independent-Democrat in the 110th Congress.
9 Data referenced for the 107th Congress in this report were compiled after the June 2001 party switch. See footnote 4
for details.
10 In the period examined, members of other party affiliations were elected to the 94th through 97th Congresses, and the
107th through 111th Congresses. Independents have caucused with Democrats, an Independent-Democrat caucused with
the Democrats, and a Conservative-Republican caucused with Republicans in the 94th Congress.
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Senate Committee Party Ratios: 94th - 111th Congresses
The majority (Democrat) had a substantial chamber numerical advantage in three consecutive
Congresses: the 94th, 95th, and 96th Congresses. The 94th Congress witnessed a majority-minority
caucus member margin of 24 in favor of the majority (Democrats), who had 62 caucus members.
In the 95th Congress, the majority (Democrats) also had 62 caucus members and a caucus margin
of 24 seats. In the 96th Congress, the majority (Democrats) had 59 caucus members with a
chamber margin of 18 seats.
During the first session of the 111th Congress, there were notable changes in the majority and
minority party margins, including the party affiliation switch of one Senator from Republican to
Democrat11 and the seating of a Democrat12 several months after a contested election was ruled in
his favor by a state supreme court. These changes resulted in the majority (Democrats) holding an
advantage with 60 caucus seats (58 Democrats and one Independent-Democrat, and one
Independent caucusing with the majority) compared to the minority’s 40 seats. The minority
gained another seat with the election of a Republican13 in a special election in the second session,
thereby increasing the minority to 41 seats resulting in the majority (Democrats) change to 59
caucus members.
110th and 111th Congresses
In the closely divided 110th Congress, one Independent-Democrat and one Independent caucused
with the majority (Democrats) resulting in adding two seats to the majority’s 49 seats. This
resulted in the majority (Democrat) holding 51 caucus seats in the chamber, and an 18 majority-
minority caucus member margin in total committee seats.
The majority-minority caucus member margin widened in the 111th Congress. As noted above, the
majority (Democrats) held 58 seats compared to 40 for the minority (Republicans) with one
Independent-Democrat and one Independent who caucused with the majority (Democrats)
bringing the majority (Democrats) to 60 caucus members. The majority-minority caucus margin
in the chamber was 20, with a caucus margin of 63 in total committee seats. The total number of
committee seats increased by 7 seats to 379 seats (from 372 seats in the 110th Congress).
Committee Sizes
During the period examined, there were 22 standing and select committees with legislative
jurisdiction in the 94th Congress, 20 in the 95th Congress, and 19 in the 96th through the 111th
Congresses.
The size of committees in the Congresses covered by this report ranged from 6 (Ethics) to 30
(Appropriations). In all 18 Congresses, the Appropriations Committee had the distinction of being
the largest committee. In the 111th Congress, the Appropriations Committee had a total of 30
seats: 18 majority (Democrats) and 12 minority (Republican) seats.
11 Senator Arlen Specter changed party affiliation from Republican to Democrat on April 30, 2009.
12 Senator Al Franken was elected in the November 2008 election but the election was contested. Following a June 30,
2009, Minnesota State Supreme Court decision, he was sworn into office on July 7, 2009.
13 Senator Scott Brown was elected in a special election on January 19, 2010, and was sworn into office on February 4,
2010.
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Senate Committee Party Ratios: 94th - 111th Congresses
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 18 Congresses ranged from 291 in the 95th
Congress to 379 in the 111th Congress—an increase of 88 seats, or 30.2%. Senate Rule XXV,
paragraph 4, generally limits the number of standing committee assignments an individual
Senator may have to three.14 However, Senators currently serve, on average, on four standing
committees each. The growth in assignments reflects the interests of Senators in serving on more
committees, the need for party leaders to seek waivers of assignment limits to assure working
control for the majority on critical committees, and the need to accommodate Senators competing
for committee seats.15
Committee Caucus Seat Margins
In both the 94th and 95th Congresses, the majority (Democrats) had the widest caucus member
margin in the chamber during these 18 Congresses at 24 caucus margin seats. However, the
majority-minority caucus margin within committees varied. In the 95th Congress, the majority-
minority caucus margins in the committees ranged from one to seven seats (excluding Ethics),
with about a third of the 20 standing and select committees having a three or four seat margin;
only one committee (Appropriations) had a majority-minority party 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, although the total committee
caucus member margin was 72 in the 94th Congress and 65 in the 95th Congress.
In the 110th Congress, the majority-minority caucus member margin in the chamber was two (49
Democrats, 49 Republicans, with one Independent-Democrat and one Independent caucusing
with the Democrats). The caucus member margin in total committee seats was 18. In each
committee (except Ethics) there was a majority-minority caucus member 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 Senators (Democrats), 49 (Republicans), and one Independent who
caucused with the majority.16
In both the 105th and 106th Congresses, in which there were 55 majority (Republicans) seats and
45 minority (Democrats) seats, there was a two-seat margin in all committees (except Ethics and
Intelligence). In the 101st Congress with the same party division: 55 majority (Democrats) seats
and 45 minority (Republicans) seats, the seat margins in committees ranged from one to three
seats (except Ethics), which was close to a two-seat average.
14 The standing rules of the Senate are available at http://rules.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=RulesOfSenateHome.
See CRS Report 98-183, Senate Committees: Categories and Rules for Committee Assignments, by Judy Schneider, for
more information on the application of this rule and related processes for assignments. For further information on
committee structure and reforms in the Senate and CRS Report RL32112, Reorganization of the Senate: Modern
Reform Efforts, by Judy Schneider et al..
15 Roger H. Davidson, Walter J. Oleszek, and Frances E. Lee, “Committees: Workshops of Congress,” in Congress
and Its Members, 12th ed. (Washington, D.C.: CQ Press, 2010), pp. 204-205.
16 Data referenced for the 107th Congress in this report were compiled after the June 2001 party switch. See footnote 4
for details.
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Senate Committee Party Ratios: 94th - 111th Congresses
In the 108th Congress, majority party changed from Democrat to Republican from the previous
Congress. The caucus margin in both Congresses was 51-49, with a one-seat margin on each
committee (except Ethics).
Prospects for the Future
An examination of committee party ratios in the Senate over the 18 Congresses suggests a
pattern: the majority party ratios on committees roughly approximate majority party strength in
the Senate chamber, regardless of which party is in control.
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.
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Senate Committee Party Ratios: 94th - 111th Congresses
Table 1. Comparison of Senate Majority Caucus Members in Chamber and
Committees: 94th -111th Congresses
Senate Chamber Majority
Total Majority (Caucus)
Congress Majority
Party
Caucus Members
Committee Seats
111th
(2009-2011)
Democrat 60.0%
58.3%
110th
(2007-2009) Democrat
51.0%
52.4%
109th
(2005-2007) Republican
55.0%
55.0%
108th
(2003-2005) Republican
51.0%
52.4%
107th
(2001-2003) Democrat
51.0%
52.4%
106th
(1999-2001) Republican
55.0%
55.2%
105th
(1997-1999) Republican
55.0%
55.2%
104th
(1995-1997) Republican
53.0%
54.4%
103rd
(1993-1995) Democrat
56.0%
55.8%
102nd
(1991-1993) Democrat
57.0%
56.6%
101st
(1989-1991) Democrat
55.0%
55.0%
100th
(1987-1989) Democrat
54.0%
54.8%
99th
(1985-1987) Republican
53.0%
53.8%
98th
(1983-1985) Republican
54.0%
54.7%
97th
(1981-1983) Republican
53.0%
54.2%
96th
(1979-1981) Democrat
59.0%
58.6%
95th
(1977-1979) Democrat
62.0%
61.2%
94th
(1975-1977) Democrat
62.0%
61.8%
Source: Figures for this table are from data contained in Table 2 through Table 19; sources for each table are
cited. Data in this table include Independents who caucused with the majority party. The last column presents
the percentage of total committee seats of the majority caucus compared to the seats held by members of the
majority caucus in the chamber.
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Senate Committee Party Ratios: 94th - 111th Congresses
Table 2. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 111th Congress (2009-2011)
Distribution of Seats
Majority-Minority
Indp-
(Caucus) Seat
Total
Majority (D) Minority (R)
Dem
Indp
Margin
Senate Party Strength
100
58
40
1
1
20
Total Committee Seats
379
213
158
3
5
63
Committees
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
21
12
9
3
Appropriations 30
18
12
6
Armed Services
26
14
11
1
4
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
23
13
10
3
Budget 23
12
10
1
3
Commerce, Science, and
25 14
11
3
Transportation
Energy and Natural Resources
23
12
10
1
3
Environment and Public Works
19
11
7
1
5
Finance 23
13
10
3
Foreign Relations
19
11
8
3
Health, Education, Labor, and
23 12
10 1
3
Pensions
Homeland Security and
17 9
7 1
3
Governmental Affairs
Indian Affairs
15
9
6
3
Judiciary 19
12
7
5
Rules and Administration
19
11
8
3
Smal Business and Entrepreneurship
19
10
8
1
3
Veterans= Affairs
15
9
5
1
5
Select Committee on Ethics
6
3
3
0
Select Committee on Intelligence
14
8
6
2
Source: The Senate of the United States Committee and Subcommittee Assignments for the One Hundred Eleventh
Congress, Prepared Under the Direction of Nancy Erickson, Secretary of the Senate, by Kathleen Alvarez Tritak,
Legislative Clerk, October 19, 2009 (Washington: GPO, 2009), S. Pub. 111-13. (An earlier version dated June 3,
2009 (S. Pub. 111-9) listed 99 Senators while results of the Minnesota November 2008 election was not yet
resolved.)
Notes: Data in this table reflect the results of a contested election. After the June 30, 2009, Minnesota State
Supreme Court ruling, Senator Al Franken was sworn into office on July 7, 2009. Senator Arlen Specter changed
his party affiliation from Republican to Democrat on April 30, 2009.
Senator Scott Brown was elected to the Senate in the January 19, 2010, special election, and was sworn into
office on February 4, 2010. After that election, the party division changed to 57 (Democrats) and 41
(Republicans).
Senators who caucused with the majority (Democrats): Senator Joseph Lieberman, an Independent-Democrat,
and Senator Bernard Sanders, an Independent. Margins are calculated by adding these Senators’ seats to the
majority seats.
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Senate Committee Party Ratios: 94th - 111th Congresses
Table 3. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 110th Congress (2007-2009)
Distribution of Seats
Majority-Minority
Indp-
(Caucus) Seat
Total
Majority (D) Minority (R) Dem
Indp
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), S. Pub. 110-5.
Note: Independent Members caucused with the majority (Democrats): 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.
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Senate Committee Party Ratios: 94th - 111th Congresses
Table 4. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 109th Congress (2005-2007)
Distribution of Seats
Majority-Minority
(Caucus) Seat
Total
Majority (R)
Minority (D)
Indp
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), S. Pub. 109-10.
Note: Senator James M. Jeffords, an Independent, caucused with the minority (Democrats).
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Senate Committee Party Ratios: 94th - 111th Congresses
Table 5. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 108th Congress (2003-2005 )
Distribution of Seats
Majority-Minority
Total
Majority (R)
Minority (D)
Indp (Caucus) Seat Margin
Senate Party Strength
100
51
48
1
2
Total Committee Seats
372
195
173
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
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
1
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, March 31, 2003 (Washington: GPO, 2003), S. Pub. 108-5.
Note: Senator James M. Jeffords, an Independent, caucused with the minority (Democrats).
Congressional Research Service
10
Senate Committee Party Ratios: 94th - 111th Congresses
Table 6. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 107th Congress (2001-2003)
Distribution of Seats
Majority-Minority
(Caucus) Seat
Total
Majority (D)
Minority (R)
Indp
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, November 29, 2001 (Washington: GPO, 2001), S. Pub. 107-21.
Notes: This table reflects 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 power sharing 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.
Senator James M. Jeffords changed party affiliation from Republican to Independent and caucused with
Democrats effective June 6, 2001.
Congressional Research Service
11
Senate Committee Party Ratios: 94th - 111th Congresses
Table 7. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 106th Congress (1999-2001)
Distribution of Seats
Majority-Minority
(Caucus) Seat
Total
Majority (R)
Minority (D)
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
Smal 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, March 29, 1999 (Washington: GPO, 1999), S. Pub. 106-3.
Congressional Research Service
12
Senate Committee Party Ratios: 94th - 111th Congresses
Table 8. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 105th Congress (1997-1999)
Distribution of Seats
Majority-Minority
(Caucus) Seat
Total
Majority (R)
Minority (D)
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
Smal 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 Sisco, Secretary of the Senate, by R. Scott Bates, Legislative
Clerk, February 14, 1997 (Washington: GPO, 1997), S. Pub. 105-6. (An interim list was published dated Jan. 9,
1997, S. Pub. 3.)
Congressional Research Service
13
Senate Committee Party Ratios: 94th - 111th Congresses
Table 9. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 104th Congress (1995-1997)
Distribution of Seats
Majority-Minority
(Caucus) Seat
Total
Majority (R)
Minority (D)
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
Smal 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, February 27, 1995 (Washington: GPO, 1995), S. Pub. 104-6. (An incomplete interim list was published on
January 25, 1995, S. Pub. 104-3.)
Note: Data reflect Senator Richard Shelby’s party affiliation change from Democrat to Republican, a few days
after the 1994 election, on November 9, 1994. Data do not reflect Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell’s party
affiliation change from Democrat to Republican on March 3, 1995, because it occurred after the February 27,
1995, publication was issued.
Congressional Research Service
14
Senate Committee Party Ratios: 94th - 111th Congresses
Table 10. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 103rd Congress (1993-1995)
Distribution of Seats
Majority-Minority
(Caucus) Seat
Total
Majority (D)
Minority (R)
Margin
Senate Party Strength
100
56
44
12
Total Committee Seats
346
193
153
40
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
20
11
9
2
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
Smal 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), S. Pub. 103-10. Prior to this list, there were three
interim committee lists: S. Pub. 103-1 (February 19, 1993), S. Pub. 103-3 (March 24, 1992), and S. Pub. 103-7
(July 20, 1993).
Note: In 1984, the Select Committee on Indian Affairs became a permanent committee (S.Res. 127). Later, in
1993, the Select Committee on Indian Affairs was redesignated as the Committee on Indian Affairs (S.Res. 71).
Congressional Research Service
15
Senate Committee Party Ratios: 94th - 111th Congresses
Table 11. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 102nd Congress (1991-1993)
Distribution of Seats
Majority-Minority
(Caucus) Seat
Total
Majority (D)
Minority (R)
Margin
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
Smal 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), S.
Pub. 102-9. Two interim lists issued: S. Pub. 102-3 (March 25, 1991) and S. Pub. 102-7 (June 21, 1991).
Congressional Research Service
16
Senate Committee Party Ratios: 94th - 111th Congresses
Table 12. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 101st Congress (1989-1991)
Distribution of Seats
Majority-Minority
(Caucus) Seat
Total
Majority (D)
Minority (R)
Margin
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
Smal 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 United 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), S.
Pub. 101-1. (An interim list was issued, S. Pub. 101-1 (March 15, 1989.)
Congressional Research Service
17
Senate Committee Party Ratios: 94th - 111th Congresses
Table 13. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 100th Congress (1987-1989)
Distribution of Seats
Majority-Minority
(Caucus) Seat
Total
Majority(D) Minority
(R)
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
20 11
9
2
Transportation
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
Smal 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 United 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, 1987), S. Pub.
100-1.
Congressional Research Service
18
Senate Committee Party Ratios: 94th - 111th Congresses
Table 14. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 99th Congress (1985-1987)
Distribution of Seats
Majority-Minority
(Caucus) Seat
Total
Majority (R)
Minority (D)
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
Smal 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, April 1, 1985, (Washington: GPO, 1985), S. Pub. 99-2. (Al
the Secretary of the Senate committee lists in this Congress were marked preliminary. Later preliminary versions
were S. Pub. 99-6 (May 1, 1985), S. Pub. 99-9 (October 1, 1985), and S. Pub. 99-15 (August 1, 1986).
Congressional Research Service
19
Senate Committee Party Ratios: 94th - 111th Congresses
Table 15. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 98th Congress (1983-1985)
Distribution of Seats
Majority-Minority
(Caucus) Seat
Total
Majority (R)
Minority (D)
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
Smal 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, 1st sess. (Washington: GPO, 1983). Data are based on closing
date for compiling Directory material March 31, 1983.
Note: In 1984, the Select Committee on Indian Affairs was made a permanent committee of the Senate (S. Res.
127).
Congressional Research Service
20
Senate Committee Party Ratios: 94th - 111th Congresses
Table 16. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 97th Congress (1981-1983)
Distribution of Seats
Majority-Minority
(Caucus) Seat
Total
Majority (R)
Minority (D)
Indp
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). Data are based on closing
date for compiling Directory material April 1,1981
Notes: Senator Harry F. Byrd, Jr., an Independent, caucused with the minority (Democrats).
In 1981, the Select Committee on Smal Business became the Committee on Smal Business, a standing
committee.
Congressional Research Service
21
Senate Committee Party Ratios: 94th - 111th Congresses
Table 17. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 96th Congress (1979-1981)
Distribution of Seats
Majority-Minority
(Caucus) Seat
Total
Majority (D)
Minority (R)
Indp
Margin
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
15 9
6 3
Affairs
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
17 10
7
3
Business
Source: Congressional Directory, 96th Congress, 1st sess. (Washington: GPO, 1979). Data are based on closing
date for compiling Directory material March 23, 1979.
Note: Senator Harry F. Byrd, Jr., an Independent, caucused with the majority (Democrats).
Congressional Research Service
22
Senate Committee Party Ratios: 94th - 111th Congresses
Table 18. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 95th Congress (1977-1979)
Distribution of Seats
Majority-Minority
(Caucus) Seat
Total Majority (D)
Minority (R)
Indp
Margin
Senate Party Strength
100
61
38
1
24
Total Committee Seats
291
176
113
2
65
Committees
Agriculture, Nutrition, and
18 11
7
4
Forestry
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). Data are based on closing
date for compiling Directory material March 25, 1977.
Note: Senator Harry F. Byrd, Jr., an Independent, caucused with the majority (Democrats).
Congressional Research Service
23
Senate Committee Party Ratios: 94th - 111th Congresses
Table 19. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 94th Congress (1975-1977)
Distribution of Seats
Majority-Minority
Consrv-
(Caucus) Seat
Total
Majority (D) Minority (R)
Rep
Indp
Margin
Senate Party Strength
100
61
37
1
1
24
Total Committee Seats
304
186
113
3
2
72
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 20
13
6
1
6
District of Columbia
7
4
3
1
Finance 18
10
7
1
4
Foreign Relations
16
10
6
4
Governmental Operations
14
9
5
4
Interior and Insular Affairs
14
9
5
4
Judiciary 15
9
6
3
Labor and Public Welfare
16
10
6
4
Post Office and Civil Service
9
6
3
3
Public Works
14
9
4
1
4
Rules and Administration
9
6
3
3
Veterans= Affairs
9
6
3
3
Select Committee on Nutrition and
14 8
6
2
Human Needs
Select Committee on Smal Business
17
10
7
3
Select Committee on Standards and
Conduct
6 3
3
0
Select Committee To Study
Governmental Operations With
11 6
5
1
Respect to Intelligence Activities
Source: Congressional Directory, 94th Congress, 2nd sess. (Washington: GPO, 1975). Data are based on closing
date for compiling Directory material by December 19, 1975. New Hampshire Senate 1974 election results
were contested. On August 8, 1975, the Senate declared the seat vacant. On the same day, former Senator
Norris H. Cotton (Republican) was appointed to fill the seat until a special election was held. After winning a
special election on September 16, 1975, Senator John Durkin (Democrat) was sworn into office on September
18, 1975. Data in this table reflect committee ratios of a total of 100 Senators fol owing Senator Durkin’s
election.
Note: Senator Harry F. Byrd, Jr., an Independent, caucused with the majority (Democrats). Senator James L.
Buckley, a Conservative-Republican, caucused with the minority (Republicans).
Congressional Research Service
24
Senate Committee Party Ratios: 94th - 111th Congresses
Author Contact Information
Lorraine H. Tong
Analyst in American National Government
ltong@crs.loc.gov, 7-5846
Congressional Research Service
25