Order Code RL32148
CRS Report for Congress
Received through the CRS Web
Senate Committee Party Ratios:
98th-108th Congresses
November 13, 2003
Lorraine H. Tong
Analyst in American National Government
Government and Finance Division
Congressional Research Service ˜
The Library of Congress
Senate Committee Party Ratios: 98th-108th 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 11 Congresses (98th through 108th). Also included are
data on select committees with legislative jurisdiction. For each Congress, a table
shows the total number of seats on each committee, the number of seats assigned to
the majority and minority parties and, where present, the number of seats assigned
to independents. The tables also provide the number of majority and minority seats
on each committee as percentages of the total, and majority-minority seat margins in
the chamber, in the total number of committee seats, and on each individual
committee. The percentage of committee seats held by the majority is compared with
its full chamber strength.
During the 11 Congresses, 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, with a very slight over-representation on overall total committee seats. The
data also suggest that the narrower the majority-minority party margin in the
chamber, the tighter the control the majority exerts in committee assignments. This
report will be updated as events warrant.
Contents
Sources and Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Comparative Analysis of Ratios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
108th Congress and 107th Congresses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Committee Sizes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Committee Totals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Committee Seat Margins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Prospects for the Future . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
List of Tables
Senate Committee Party Ratios: 108th Congress (2003-2005 ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Senate Committee Party Ratios: 107th Congress (2001-2003) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Senate Committee Party Ratios: 106th Congress (1999-2001) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Senate Committee Party Ratios: 105th Congress (1997-1999) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Senate Committee Party Ratios: 104th Congress (1995-1997) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Senate Committee Party Ratios: 103rd Congress (1993-1995) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Senate Committee Party Ratios: 102nd Congress (1991-1993) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Senate Committee Party Ratios: 101st Congress (1989-1991) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Senate Committee Party Ratios: 100th Congress (1987-1989) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Senate Committee Party Ratios: 99th Congress (1985-1987) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Senate Committee Party Ratios: 98th Congress (1983-1985) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Senate Committee Party Ratios:
98th
98 -108th
-108 Congresses
The standing rules of the Senate are silent regarding committee party ratios. The
majority and minority leaders, in consultation, determine the apportionment of the
committee seats to each party. They implement this agreement through resolutions
electing Senators to committees. This report provides an overview and data on
Senate standing committee party ratios the 98th through 108th Congresses (1983-
2005). In addition to the standing committees, data on permanent select committees
with legislative jurisdiction are also included.
Sources and Method
Assignment data for each Senate committee for the 98th through the 108th
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 2001as a result of the switch in party control.2 The numbers on overall party
strength in the Senate for each Congress are taken from the same lists issued by the
Secretary of the Senate.
The tables at the end of the report provide data for each Senate standing
committee and permanent select committees with legislative jurisdictions. A table
for each of the 11 Congresses covered in this report reflects the committees as
1Each list is the first official list 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.
2At 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 powersharing 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, 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: The
Powersharing Agreement And Recent Developments, by Paul S. Rundquist.
CRS-2
established and titled in that Congress. The tables indicate the total number of seats
on each committee, as well as the number assigned to the majority and minority
parties and, where present, to independents. The majority and minority seats on each
committee are also shown as percentages of the total (which do not add to 100 when
independents are present). Also included are (1) the chamber’s majority-minority
distribution; (2) the total number of committee seats controlled by each party; and (3)
party strength on each individual committee. The majority percentage of total
committee seats is compared to the majority percentage of the full Senate.3
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
The data shows that the majority party has generally over-represented itself
slightly in making committee assignments in most Congresses (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). In nine of
the 11 Congresses, the majority had a slight over-representation, as calculated in
percentage points. From the 98th to the 108th Congresses, the majority ratio in
committee, compared to its strength in the Senate chamber, ranged from an under-
representation of -0.37 percentage points in the 102nd Congress to an over-
representation of 1.70 percentage points in the 108th Congresses.
During five Congresses of this period, the majority party had a substantial
numerical advantage. In two Congresses (102nd and 103rd), the majority was under-
represented on committees, compared with its overall strength in the Senate. In the
102nd Congress, the majority was under-represented on committees by -0.37
percentage points. In the 103rd Congress, the majority was under-represented on
committees in which it was under-represented by -0.09 percentage points. These two
Congresses constitute two of the widest majority-minority seat margins in the period
examined: 12 seats in the 102nd Congress and 14 seats in the 103rd. In three other
Congresses (101st, 105th, and 106th) when the majority-minority seat margin was 10
in each Congress, the majority over-representation on committees was 0.05, 0.19,
and 0.16, respectively. By comparison, in the other six Congresses where the Senate
party strengths have been closer, majority party over-representation in committees
has been greater.
3All percentages are calculated by computer, and reflect rounding.
4It 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.
CRS-3
108th Congress and 107th Congresses
With 51 Senate seats in the 108th Congress, the majority holds 52.70% of the
committee seats, compared to the minority’s 48 Senate seats and 46.22% of the
committee seats. The majority was over-represented on committees in the 108th
Congress by 1.70 percentage points. With 50 Senate seats in the 107th Congress
(after June 2001), the majority held 51.34% of the committee seats compared to the
minority’s 49 Senate seats and 47.58% of the committee seats. The majority was
over-represented on committees in the 107th Congress by 1.34 percentage points.
From the 107th Congress to the 108th Congress, the total number of committee
seats dropped from 372 to 370 seats; at the same time the majority gained two
additional seats.
Committee Sizes
The size of committees during the 11 Congresses covered by this report ranged
from six (Ethics) to 29 (Appropriations). The size of a committee is a factor in
calculating ratios by percentage. The smaller the size of the committee, the greater
percentage point difference a change of one seat makes. For example,
mathematically speaking, in the current 51 to 49 majority-minority margin, a one-seat
advantage for the majority at eight seats to the minority’s seven on a committee of
15 Members (as on the Committee of Indian Affairs in the 108th Congress) translates
into a majority over-representation of 2.33 percentage points. In contrast, on the
Committee on Appropriations (the largest committee in the 108th Congress), the
majority’s one-seat advantage over the minority (15 to 14) resulted in an over-
representation of 0.72 percentage points
.
In the 100th Congress, when the majority had 54 seats compared to the
minority’s 46 in the full chamber, the aggregate majority committee seat percentage
exceeded its strength in the chamber by 0.77 percentage point. On the six-member
Ethics Committee, which has equal representation, the majority’s ratio was calculated
at 4.00 percentage points
less than its strength in the Senate. In this same Congress,
the majority was over-represented by 8.50 percentage points on the Committee on
Indian Affairs (then known as the Special Committee on Indian Affairs). The
committee had a total of eight seats with a five-to- three majority-minority allocation.
This committee almost doubled in size to a total of 15 seats in the 108th Congress
while the majority over-representation decreased to 2.33 percentage points. These
examples illustrate the importance of taking into consideration the size of the
committee and its impact on the percentage point calculations.
Committee Totals
Since the 98th Congress, the sizes of Senate committees have generally increased
as has the number of committee assignments a Senator typically receives. Total
committee seats in the 11 Congresses covered ranged from 312 (99th Congress) to
372 (107th Congress). Senate Rule XXV, paragraph 4, generally limits to three the
number of standing committee assignments an individual Senator may have. The
growth in overall committee assignments during the period covered shows 60
CRS-4
additional seats added to Senate committees. The result is that Senators now serve,
on average, on nearly four standing committees each. Generally, 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 Seat Margins
Over this period, during these 11 Congresses, the majority-minority party
advantage in the full Senate ranged from one seat (the second half of the First Session
of the 107th Congress) to 14 (102nd Congress). The data appear to indicate that the
closer the majority-minority seat margin in the Senate, the greater the likelihood of
majority over-representation on committees, and the higher the percentage point
difference between total committee and chamber ratios.
In the 108th Congress, with a majority-minority margin of three seats (51
Republicans, 48 Democrats, and 1 Independent), the majority committee party ratio,
when compared with its strength in the chamber, has an over-representation of 1.70
percentage points. This was the majority party’s highest percentage point over-
representation during this period (98th -108th Congresses). In the closely divided 107th
Congress (50 Democrats, 49 Republicans, 1 Independent, after June 2001
reorganization), the majority over-representation was 1.34 percentage points.
Conversely, the greater advantage of the majority in the full Senate, the more
likely it is to be under-represented in committee strength. For example, in the 102nd
Congress, the majority-minority seat margin in the Senate was 14. The aggregate
majority committee party ratio was
less than its strength in the Senate by -0.37
percentage points. The majority was also under-represented slightly at -0.09
percentage points in the 103rd Congress, when the majority-minority seat margin in
the chamber was 12. During these two Congresses, the majority was slightly under-
represented on nearly half of individual committees.
During the period surveyed, the majority-minority margins on individual
committees (with the exception of the Ethics and Intelligence Committees, and the
unusual circumstances of the 107th Congress) ranged from one to three seats. A two-
seat margin on most committees, regardless of the margin in the Senate, was more
common in the Congresses prior to the 107th Congress, when there were no
Independent Members. In the 107th and 108th Congresses, most committees had a
one-seat majority-minority margin that reflected the very close margin in the party
strength in the Senate chamber.
Prospects for the Future
An examination of the committee ratios surveyed shows a trend: the majority
party ratios on committees roughly approximate majority party strength in the Senate
chamber, regardless of which party is in control, with a very slight over-
representation on overall total committee seats. The data further suggest that the
narrower the majority-minority party margin in the chamber, the tighter the control
CRS-5
the majority exerts in committee assignments. Barring any drastic departure from
Senate practice and custom, the data appear to suggest that this historical trend may
well continue in future Congresses.
CRS-6
Senate Committee Party Ratios: 108th Congress (2003-2005 )
Distribution of Seats
Distribution of Seats
Difference in
Number
% Committee
Majority-
Percentage
Majority
Minority
Compared to
Total
Majority (R)
Minority (D)
Independent
Seat Margin
Majority (R)
Minority (D)
% Senate Majority
Senate Party Strength
100
51
48
1
3
51.00
48.00
Total Committee Seats
370
195
171
4
24
52.70
46.22
1.70
Committees
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
21
11
10
1
52.38
47.62
1.38
Appropriations
29
15
14
1
51.72
48.28
0.72
Armed Services
25
13
12
1
52.00
48.00
1.00
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
21
11
10
1
52.38
47.62
1.38
Budget
23
12
11
1
52.17
47.83
1.17
Commerce, Science, and Transportation
23
12
11
1
52.17
47.83
1.17
Energy and Natural Resources
21
12
9
3
57.14
42.86
6.14
Environment and Public Works
19
10
8
1
2
52.63
42.11
1.63
Finance
21
11
9
1
2
52.38
42.86
1.38
Foreign Relations
19
10
9
1
52.63
47.37
1.63
Governmental Affairs
17
9
8
1
52.94
47.06
1.94
Health, Education, Labor and Pensions
21
11
9
1
2
52.38
42.86
1.38
Indian Affairs
15
8
7
1
53.33
46.67
2.33
Judiciary
19
10
9
1
52.63
47.37
1.63
Rules and Administration
19
10
9
1
52.63
47.37
1.63
Small Business and Entrepreneurship
19
10
9
1
52.63
47.37
1.63
Veterans' Affairs
15
8
6
1
2
53.33
40.00
2.33
Select Committee on Ethics
6
3
3
0
50.00
50.00
-1.00
Select Committee on Intelligence
17
9
8
1
52.94
47.06
1.94
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).
Notes: Percentages were calculated by computer, and reflect rounding. Data on the Select Committee on Homeland Security are excluded because the panel was temporary in the
107th and 108th Congresses.
CRS-7
Senate Committee Party Ratios: 107th Congress (2001-2003)
Distribution of Seats
Distribution of Seats
Difference in
Number
% Committee
Majority-
Percentage
Majority
Minority
Compared to
Total
Majority (D)
Minority (R)
Independent
Seat Margin
Majority (D)
Minority (R)
% Senate Majority
Senate Party Strength
100
50
49
1
1
50.00
49.00
Total Committee Seats
372
191
177
4
14
51.34
47.58
1.34
Committees
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
21
11
10
1
52.38
47.62
2.38
Appropriations
29
15
14
1
51.72
48.28
1.72
Armed Services
25
13
12
1
52.00
48.00
2.00
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
21
11
10
1
52.38
47.62
2.38
Budget
23
12
11
1
52.17
47.83
2.17
Commerce, Science, and Transportation
23
12
11
1
52.17
47.83
2.17
Energy and Natural Resources
23
12
11
1
52.17
47.83
2.17
Environment and Public Works
19
9
9
1
0
47.37
47.37
-2.63
Finance
21
10
10
1
0
47.62
47.62
-2.38
Foreign Relations
19
10
9
1
52.63
47.37
2.63
Governmental Affairs
17
9
8
1
52.94
47.06
2.94
Health, Education, Labor and Pensions
21
10
10
1
0
47.62
47.62
-2.38
Indian Affairs
15
8
7
1
53.33
46.67
3.33
Judiciary
19
10
9
1
52.63
47.37
2.63
Rules and Administration
19
10
9
1
52.63
47.37
2.63
Small Business and Entrepreneurship
19
10
9
1
52.63
47.37
2.63
Veterans' Affairs
15
7
7
1
0
46.67
46.67
-3.33
Select Committee on Ethics
6
3
3
0
50.00
50.00
0.00
Select Committee on Intelligence
17
9
8
1
52.94
47.06
2.94
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: Percentages were calculated by computer, and reflect rounding. 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 switching to become an Independent 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. Data on the Select Committee on Homeland Security are excluded because the panel was temporary in the 107th Congress.
CRS-8
Senate Committee Party Ratios: 106th Congress (1999-2001)
Distribution of Seats
Difference in
Distribution of Seats
Number
% Committee
Majority-
Percentage
Majority
Minority
Compared to
Total
Majority (R)
Minority (D)
Seat Margin
Majority (R)
Minority (D)
% Senate Majority
Senate Party Strength
100
55
45
10
55.00
45.00
Total Committee Seats
339
187
152
35
55.16
44.84
0.16
Committees
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
18
10
8
2
55.56
44.44
0.56
Appropriations
28
15
13
2
53.57
46.43
-1.43
Armed Services
20
11
9
2
55.00
45.00
0.00
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
20
11
9
2
55.00
45.00
0.00
Budget
22
12
10
2
54.55
45.45
-0.45
Commerce, Science, and Transportation
20
11
9
2
55.00
45.00
0.00
Energy and Natural Resources
20
11
9
2
55.00
45.00
0.00
Environment and Public Works
18
10
8
2
55.56
44.44
0.56
Finance
20
11
9
2
55.00
45.00
0.00
Foreign Relations
18
10
8
2
55.56
44.44
0.56
Governmental Affairs
16
9
7
2
56.25
43.75
1.25
Health, Education, Labor and Pensions
18
10
8
2
55.56
44.44
0.56
Indian Affairs
14
8
6
2
57.14
42.86
2.14
Judiciary
18
10
8
2
55.56
44.44
0.56
Rules and Administration
16
9
7
2
56.25
43.75
1.25
Small Business
18
10
8
2
55.56
44.44
0.56
Veterans' Affairs
12
7
5
2
58.33
41.67
3.33
Select Committee on Ethics
6
3
3
0
50.00
50.00
-5.00
Select Committee on Intelligence
17
9
8
1
52.94
47.06
-2.06
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).
Note: Percentages were calculated by computer, and reflect rounding.
CRS-9
Senate Committee Party Ratios: 105th Congress (1997-1999)
Distribution of Seats
Distribution of Seats
Difference in
Majority-
Number
Percentage
% Committee Majority
Minority
Compared to
Total
Majority (R)
Minority (D)
Seat Margin
Majority (R)
Minority (D)
% Senate Majority
Senate Party Strength
100
55
45
10
55.00
45.00
Total Committee Seats
337
186
151
35
55.19
44.81
0.19
Committees
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
18
10
8
2
55.56
44.44
0.56
Appropriations
28
15
13
2
53.57
46.43
-1.43
Armed Services
18
10
8
2
55.56
44.44
0.56
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
18
10
8
2
55.56
44.44
0.56
Budget
22
12
10
2
54.55
45.45
-0.45
Commerce, Science, and Transportation
20
11
9
2
55.00
45.00
0.00
Energy and Natural Resources
20
11
9
2
55.00
45.00
0.00
Environment and Public Works
18
10
8
2
55.56
44.44
0.56
Finance
20
11
9
2
55.00
45.00
0.00
Foreign Relations
18
10
8
2
55.56
44.44
0.56
Governmental Affairs
16
9
7
2
56.25
43.75
1.25
Labor and Human Resources
18
10
8
2
55.56
44.44
0.56
Indian Affairs
14
8
6
2
57.14
42.86
2.14
Judiciary
18
10
8
2
55.56
44.44
0.56
Rules and Administration
16
9
7
2
56.25
43.75
1.25
Small Business
18
10
8
2
55.56
44.44
0.56
Veterans' Affairs
12
7
5
2
58.33
41.67
3.33
Select Committee on Ethics
6
3
3
0
50.00
50.00
-5.00
Select Committee on Intelligence
19
10
9
1
52.63
47.37
-2.37
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).
Note: Percentages were calculated by computer, and reflect rounding.
CRS-10
Senate Committee Party Ratios: 104th Congress (1995-1997)
Distribution of Seats
Distribution of Seats
Difference in
Majority-
Number
Percentage
% Committee Majority
Minority
Compared to
Total
Majority (R)
Minority (D)
Seat Margin
Majority (R)
Minority (D)
% Senate Majority
Senate Party Strength
100
53
47
6
53.00
47.00
Total Committee Seats
331
180
151
29
54.38
45.62
1.38
Committees
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
17
9
8
1
52.94
47.06
-0.06
Appropriations
28
15
13
2
53.57
46.43
0.57
Armed Services
21
11
10
1
52.38
47.62
-0.62
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
16
9
7
2
56.25
43.75
3.25
Budget
22
12
10
2
54.55
45.45
1.55
Commerce, Science, and Transportation
19
10
9
1
52.63
47.37
-0.37
Energy and Natural Resources
18
10
8
2
55.56
44.44
2.56
Environment and Public Works
16
9
7
2
56.25
43.75
3.25
Finance
20
11
9
2
55.00
45.00
2.00
Foreign Relations
18
10
8
2
55.56
44.44
2.56
Governmental Affairs
15
8
7
1
53.33
46.67
0.33
Labor and Human Resources
16
9
7
2
56.25
43.75
3.25
Indian Affairs
17
9
8
1
52.94
47.06
-0.06
Judiciary
18
10
8
2
55.56
44.44
2.56
Rules and Administration
16
9
7
2
56.25
43.75
3.25
Small Business
19
10
9
1
52.63
47.37
-0.37
Veterans' Affairs
12
7
5
2
58.33
41.67
5.33
Select Committee on Ethics
6
3
3
0
50.00
50.00
-3.00
Select Committee on Intelligence
17
9
8
1
52.94
47.06
-0.06
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).
Note: Percentages were calculated by computer, and reflect rounding.
CRS-11
Senate Committee Party Ratios: 103rd Congress (1993-1995)
Distribution of Seats
Distribution of Seats
Difference in
Majority-
Number
Percentage
% Committee Majority
Minority
Compared to
Total
Majority (D)
Minority (R)
Seat Margin
Majority (D)
Minority (R)
% Senate Majority
Senate Party Strength
100
56
44
12
56.00
44.00
Total Committee Seats
347
194
153
41
55.91
44.09
-0.09
Committees
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
18
10
8
2
55.56
44.44
-0.44
Appropriations
29
16
13
3
55.17
44.83
-0.83
Armed Services
22
12
10
2
54.55
45.45
-1.45
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
19
11
8
3
57.89
42.11
1.89
Budget
21
12
9
3
57.14
42.86
1.14
Commerce, Science, and Transportation
20
11
9
2
55.00
45.00
-1.00
Energy and Natural Resources
21
12
9
3
57.14
42.86
1.14
Environment and Public Works
17
10
7
3
58.82
41.18
2.82
Finance
20
11
9
2
55.00
45.00
-1.00
Foreign Relations
20
11
9
2
55.00
45.00
-1.00
Governmental Affairs
14
8
6
2
57.14
42.86
1.14
Labor and Human Resources
17
10
7
3
58.82
41.18
2.82
Indian Affairs
18
10
8
2
55.56
44.44
-0.44
Judiciary
18
10
8
2
55.56
44.44
-0.44
Rules and Administration
16
9
7
2
56.25
43.75
0.25
Small Business
22
12
10
2
54.55
45.45
-1.45
Veterans' Affairs
12
7
5
2
58.33
41.67
2.33
Select Committee on Ethics
6
3
3
0
50.00
50.00
-6.00
Select Committee on Intelligence
17
9
8
1
52.94
47.06
-3.06
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).
Note: Percentages were calculated by computer, and reflect rounding.
CRS-12
Senate Committee Party Ratios: 102nd Congress (1991-1993)
Distribution of Seats
Distribution of Seats
Difference in
Majority-
Number
Percentage
% Committee Majority
Minority
Compared to
Total
Majority (D)
Minority (R)
Seat Margin
Majority (D)
Minority (R)
% Senate Majority
Senate Party Strength
100
57
43
14
57.00
43.00
Total Committee Seats
332
188
144
44
56.63
43.37
-0.37
Committees
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
18
10
8
2
55.56
44.44
-1.44
Appropriations
29
16
13
3
55.17
44.83
-1.83
Armed Services
20
11
9
2
55.00
45.00
-2.00
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
21
12
9
3
57.14
42.86
0.14
Budget
21
12
9
3
57.14
42.86
0.14
Commerce, Science, and Transportation
20
11
9
2
55.00
45.00
-2.00
Energy and Natural Resources
20
11
9
2
55.00
45.00
-2.00
Environment and Public Works
17
10
7
3
58.82
41.18
1.82
Finance
19
11
8
3
57.89
42.11
0.89
Foreign Relations
19
11
8
3
57.89
42.11
0.89
Governmental Affairs
13
8
5
3
61.54
38.46
4.54
Labor and Human Resources
17
10
7
3
58.82
41.18
1.82
Judiciary
14
8
6
2
57.14
42.86
0.14
Rules and Administration
16
9
7
2
56.25
43.75
-0.75
Small Business
19
11
8
3
57.89
42.11
0.89
Veterans' Affairs
12
7
5
2
58.33
41.67
1.33
Select Committee on Ethics
6
3
3
0
50.00
50.00
-7.00
Select Committee on Indian Affairs
16
9
7
2
56.25
43.75
-0.75
Select Committee on Intelligence
15
8
7
1
53.33
46.67
-3.67
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).
Note: Percentages were calculated by computer, and reflect rounding.
CRS-13
Senate Committee Party Ratios: 101st Congress (1989-1991)
Distribution of Seats
Distribution of Seats
Difference in
Majority-
Number
Percentage
% Committee Majority
Minority
Compared to
Total
Majority (D)
Minority (R)
Seat Margin
Majority (D)
Minority (R)
% Senate Majority
Senate Party Strength
100
55
45
10
55.00
45.00
Total Committee Seats
327
180
147
33
55.05
44.95
0.05
Committees
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
19
10
9
1
52.63
47.37
-2.37
Appropriations
29
16
13
3
55.17
44.83
0.17
Armed Services
20
11
9
2
55.00
45.00
0.00
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
21
12
9
3
57.14
42.86
2.14
Budget
23
13
10
3
56.52
43.48
1.52
Commerce, Science, and Transportation
20
11
9
2
55.00
45.00
0.00
Energy and Natural Resources
19
10
9
1
52.63
47.37
-2.37
Environment and Public Works
16
9
7
2
56.25
43.75
1.25
Finance
20
11
9
2
55.00
45.00
0.00
Foreign Relations
19
10
9
1
52.63
47.37
-2.37
Governmental Affairs
14
8
6
2
57.14
42.86
2.14
Labor and Human Resources
16
9
7
2
56.25
43.75
1.25
Judiciary
14
8
6
2
57.14
42.86
2.14
Rules and Administration
16
9
7
2
56.25
43.75
1.25
Small Business
19
10
9
1
52.63
47.37
-2.37
Veterans' Affairs
11
6
5
1
54.55
45.45
-0.45
Select Committee on Ethics
6
3
3
0
50.00
50.00
-5.00
Select Committee on Indian Affairs
10
6
4
2
60.00
40.00
5.00
Select Committee on Intelligence
15
8
7
1
53.33
46.67
-1.67
Source: List of Standing Committees and Subcommittees and Subcommittees ad 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).
Note: Percentages were calculated by computer, and reflect rounding.
CRS-14
Senate Committee Party Ratios: 100th Congress (1987-1989)
Distribution of Seats
Difference in
Distribution of Seats Number
Majority-
Percentage
% Committee Majority
Minority
Compared to
Total
Majority(D)
Minority (R)
Seat Margin
Majority (D)
Minority (R)
% Senate Majority
Senate Party Strength
100
54
46
8
54.00
46.00
Total Committee Seats
325
178
147
31
54.77
45.23
0.77
Committees
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
19
10
9
1
52.63
47.37
-1.37
Appropriations
29
16
13
3
55.17
44.83
1.17
Armed Services
20
11
9
2
55.00
45.00
1.00
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
20
11
9
2
55.00
45.00
1.00
Budget
24
13
11
2
54.17
45.83
0.17
Commerce, Science, and Transportation
20
11
9
2
55.00
45.00
1.00
Energy and Natural Resources
19
10
9
1
52.63
47.37
-1.37
Environment and Public Works
16
9
7
2
56.25
43.75
2.25
Finance
20
11
9
2
55.00
45.00
1.00
Foreign Relations
19
10
9
1
52.63
47.37
-1.37
Governmental Affairs
14
8
6
2
57.14
42.86
3.14
Labor and Human Resources
16
9
7
2
56.25
43.75
2.25
Judiciary
14
8
6
2
57.14
42.86
3.14
Rules and Administration
16
9
7
2
56.25
43.75
2.25
Small Business
19
10
9
1
52.63
47.37
-1.37
Veterans' Affairs
11
6
5
1
54.55
45.45
0.55
Select Committee on Ethics
6
3
3
0
50.00
50.00
-4.00
Special Committee on Indian Affairs
8
5
3
2
62.50
37.50
8.50
Select Committee on Intelligence
15
8
7
1
53.33
46.67
-0.67
Source: List of Standing Committees and Subcommittees and Subcommittees ad 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).
Note: Percentages were calculated by computer, and reflect rounding.
CRS-15
Senate Committee Party Ratios: 99th Congress (1985-1987)
Distribution of Seats
Distribution of Seats
Difference in
Majority-
Number
Percentage
% Committee Majority
Minority
Compared to
Total
Majority (R)
Minority (D)
Seat Margin
Majority (R)
Minority (D)
% Senate Majority
Senate Party Strength
100
53
47
6
53.00
47.00
Total Committee Seats
312
168
144
24
53.85
46.15
0.85
Committees
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
17
9
8
1
52.94
47.06
-0.06
Appropriations
29
15
14
1
51.72
48.28
-1.28
Armed Services
19
10
9
1
52.63
47.37
-0.37
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
15
8
7
1
53.33
46.67
0.33
Budget
22
12
10
2
54.55
45.45
1.55
Commerce, Science, and Transportation
17
9
8
1
52.94
47.06
-0.06
Energy and Natural Resources
18
10
8
2
55.56
44.44
2.56
Environment and Public Works
15
8
7
1
53.33
46.67
0.33
Finance
20
11
9
2
55.00
45.00
2.00
Foreign Relations
17
9
8
1
52.94
47.06
-0.06
Governmental Affairs
13
7
6
1
53.85
46.15
0.85
Labor and Human Resources
16
9
7
2
56.25
43.75
3.25
Judiciary
18
10
8
2
55.56
44.44
2.56
Rules and Administration
15
8
7
1
53.33
46.67
0.33
Small Business
19
10
9
1
52.63
47.37
-0.37
Veterans' Affairs
12
7
5
2
58.33
41.67
5.33
Select Committee on Ethics
6
3
3
0
50.00
50.00
-3.00
Select Committee on Indian Affairs
9
5
4
1
55.56
44.44
2.56
Select Committee on Intelligence
15
8
7
1
53.33
46.67
0.33
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).
Note: Percentages were calculated by computer, and reflect rounding.
CRS-16
Senate Committee Party Ratios: 98th Congress (1983-1985)
Distribution of Seats
Distribution of Seats
Difference in
Number
Majority-
Percentage
% Committee Majority
Minority
Compared to
Total
Majority (R)
Minority (D)
Majority (R)
Minority (D)
Seat Margin
% Senate Majority
Senate Party Strength
100
54
46
8
54.00
46.00
Total Committee Seats
320
175
145
30
54.69
45.31
0.69
Committees
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
18
10
8
2
55.56
44.44
1.56
Appropriations
29
15
14
1
51.72
48.28
-2.28
Armed Services
18
10
8
2
55.56
44.44
1.56
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
18
10
8
2
55.56
44.44
1.56
Budget
22
12
10
2
54.55
45.45
0.55
Commerce, Science, and Transportation
17
9
8
1
52.94
47.06
-1.06
Energy and Natural Resources
20
11
9
2
55.00
45.00
1.00
Environment and Public Works
16
9
7
2
56.25
43.75
2.25
Finance
20
11
9
2
55.00
45.00
1.00
Foreign Relations
17
9
8
1
52.94
47.06
-1.06
Governmental Affairs
18
10
8
2
55.56
44.44
1.56
Judiciary
18
10
8
2
55.56
44.44
1.56
Labor and Human Resources
18
10
8
2
55.56
44.44
1.56
Rules and Administration
12
7
5
2
58.33
41.67
4.33
Small Business
19
10
9
1
52.63
47.37
-1.37
Veterans' Affairs
12
7
5
2
58.33
41.67
4.33
Select Committee on Ethics
6
3
3
0
50.00
50.00
-4.00
Select Committee on Indian Affairs
7
4
3
1
57.14
42.86
3.14
Select Committee on Intelligence
15
8
7
1
53.33
46.67
-0.67
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-Eighth Congress, Prepared Under the Direction of William F. Hildenbrand, Secretary of the Senate, Mar. 14, 1983 (Washington:
GPO, 1983).
Note: Percentages were calculated by computer, and reflect rounding.