Senate Committee Party Ratios: 98th-118th Congresses




Senate Committee Party Ratios: 98th-118th
Congresses

Updated April 11, 2023
Congressional Research Service
https://crsreports.congress.gov
RL34752




link to page 6 Senate Committee Party Ratios: 98th-118th Congresses

Summary
The party ratio in the Senate standing committees is the proportional number of members of each
party caucus assigned to each committee. Determining committee sizes, ratios, and assignments
are among the first actions taken after a general election and at the beginning of a Congress.
The standing rules of the Senate are silent on the subject of committee party ratios. Senate Rule
XXV provides for committee sizes, as well as restrictions on the number of certain types of
committees on which Senators may serve. The apportionment of committee seats results from
discussions between majority and minority party leadership. 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 has been in control.
This report shows Senate committee party ratios for 21 Congresses, covering the period of the
98th Congress (1983-1985) through April 2023, the first part of the 118th Congress (2023-2025).
Table 1 shows a comparison of majority party strength in the Senate chamber with total majority
committee seats for the 98th Congress through the beginning of the 118th Congress. Unfilled seats
on committees (if so noted in the Secretary of the Senate’s lists or the Congressional Directory)
are counted in individual and overall committee totals for consistency.
Tables 2-22 show the following for each of the 21 Congresses examined, by majority, minority,
and Independents (where present):
 Senate party breakdown and majority margin;
 total committee seats, majority and minority committee seats, and majority
margin;
 the standing and select committees (with legislative jurisdiction) as established
and named in each Congress;
 committee seats allocated to the majority and minority parties, including
Independents (where present), for each committee; and
 majority-minority seat margin for each committee.
The committee ratios data for the 99th through 116th 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 98th Congress. Data for the 117th and 118th Congresses were taken
from the Senate website. The earliest editions of these primary documents are generally the
sources for the data, although anomalies in some Congresses, such as a delay in seating a Senator
due to a contested election, sometimes necessitated using later versions of the publications. Party
strength in each Congress reflects numbers found 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, could yield different results.
Congressional Research Service

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Contents
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 1
Sources and Method .................................................................................................................. 1

Tables
Table 1. Comparison of Senate Majority Conference Members in Chamber and
Committees: 98th-118th Congresses (1983-2025) ......................................................................... 3
Table 2. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 118th Congress (2023-2025) ........................................... 4
Table 3. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 117th Congress (2021-2023) ........................................... 5
Table 4. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 116th Congress (2019-2021) ........................................... 6
Table 5. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 115th Congress (2017-2019) ........................................... 7
Table 6. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 114th Congress (2015-2017) ........................................... 8
Table 7. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 113th Congress (2013-2015) ........................................... 9
Table 8. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 112th Congress (2011-2013) ......................................... 10
Table 9. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 111th Congress (2009-2011) .......................................... 11
Table 10. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 110th Congress (2007-2009) ....................................... 12
Table 11. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 109th Congress (2005-2007) ....................................... 13
Table 12. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 108th Congress (2003-2005) ...................................... 14
Table 13. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 107th Congress (2001-2003) ...................................... 15
Table 14. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 106th Congress (1999-2001) ...................................... 16
Table 15. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 105th Congress (1997-1999) ...................................... 17
Table 16. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 104th Congress (1995-1997) ...................................... 18
Table 17. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 103rd Congress (1993-1995) ...................................... 19
Table 18. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 102nd Congress (1991-1993) ...................................... 20
Table 19. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 101st Congress (1989-1991) ....................................... 21
Table 20. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 100th Congress (1987-1989) ...................................... 22
Table 21. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 99th Congress (1985-1987) ........................................ 23
Table 22. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 98th Congress (1983-1985) ........................................ 24

Contacts
Author Information ........................................................................................................................ 25
Acknowledgments ......................................................................................................................... 25

Congressional Research Service

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Introduction
The party ratio in the Senate standing committees is the proportional number of members of each
party caucus assigned to each committee. Determining sizes, ratios, and committee assignments
are among the first actions taken after a general election and at the beginning of a Congress.
The standing rules of the Senate are silent on the subject of committee party ratios; the
apportionment of committee seats results from discussions beginning in the early organization
period between majority and minority party leadership.1 In general, the result of these discussions
has been to apportion total committee seats to the majority and minority parties in a manner that
corresponds to the party strength in the full chamber. A finding of this report indicates that the
majority party ratios on committees roughly approximate the majority party strength in the Senate
chamber, regardless of which party has been in control.
This report shows Senate committee party ratios for 21 Congresses, covering the period of the
98th Congress (1983-1985) through the beginning of the 118th Congress (2023-2025). In addition
to the standing committees, data on permanent select committees with legislative jurisdiction are
also included. An additional table (Table 1) provides a comparison of majority party strength in
the Senate chamber and total committee seats.
Sources and Method
The data presented in this report are drawn from the official committee assignment lists issued by
the Secretary of the Senate, after assignments were made in each Congress.2 Data for the 107th
Congress reflect committee ratios established after the Senate reorganization in June 2001 as a
result of the end of a power-sharing agreement.3 For the 99th through 116th Congresses, data on
overall party strength in the Senate for each Congress were taken from the same lists,4 and data
for the 117th and 118th Congresses were taken from the Senate website.5 Overall party strength
data for the 98th Congress were taken from the Congressional Directory. The data in this report

1 Committee sizes appear in Senate Rule XXV, but party leaders regularly negotiate other committee sizes as well as
party ratios.
2 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. The dates of the publications are footnoted for each table. As will be noted, the 107th Congress was an
exception due to the unusual circumstances of the equally divided Senate (see footnote 3). The 111th Congress was also
an exception due to a contested election, which resulted in delaying for months the seating of one Senator.
3 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. A 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.
4 Party division data cited in the Secretary’s committees list may differ with party data published immediately
following the November elections.
5 See U.S. Congress, Senate, “Committee Membership List,” at https://www.senate.gov/committees/
membership_assignments.htm.
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are from the earliest available complete information of each Congress contained in these
resources.6
Table 1 shows a comparison of majority party strength in the Senate chamber with total majority
committee seats for the 98th Congress (1983-1985) through the 118th Congress (2023-2025).
Unfilled seats on committees (if so noted in the source material) are counted in individual and
overall committee totals for consistency.
Tables 2-22 show the following for each of the 21 Congresses examined, by majority, minority,
and Independents (where present):
 Senate party breakdown and majority margin;
 total committee seats, majority and minority committee seats, and majority
margin;
 the standing and select committees (with legislative jurisdiction) as established
and named in each Congress;
 committee seats allocated to the majority and minority parties, including
Independents (where present), for each committee; and
 majority-minority seat margin for each committee.



6 Anomalies and caveats are appropriately noted in table footnotes. Use of other versions of the primary documents,
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 yield another
result.
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Table 1. Comparison of Senate Majority Conference Members in Chamber and
Committees: 98th-118th Congresses (1983-2025)
% Difference of Majority
Majority
Majority
Conference Between

Conference % of
Conference % Total
Senate Chamber and
Congress Majority Party
Senate Chamber
Committee Seats
Total Committee Seats
118th
Democrat
51.0%
52.4%
1.4%
117th
Democrat
50.0%
50.0%
0.0%
116th
Republican
53.0%
53.2%
0.2%
115th
Republican
52.0%
52.6%
0.6%
114th
Republican
54.0%
54.3%
0.3%
113th
Democrat
54.0%
53.5%
-0.5%
112th
Democrat
53.0%
53.7%
0.7%
111th
Democrat
60.0%
58.3%
-1.7%
110th
Democrat
51.0%
52.4%
1.4%
109th
Republican
55.0%
55.0%
0.0%
108th
Republican
51.0%
52.4%
1.4%
107th
Democrat
51.0%
52.4%
1.4%
106th
Republican
55.0%
55.2%
0.2%
105th
Republican
55.0%
55.2%
0.2%
104th
Republican
53.0%
54.4%
1.4%
103rd
Democrat
56.0%
55.8%
-0.2%
102nd
Democrat
57.0%
56.6%
-0.4%
101st
Democrat
55.0%
55.0%
0.0%
100th
Democrat
54.0%
54.8%
0.8%
99th
Republican
53.0%
53.8%
0.8%
98th
Republican
54.0%
54.7%
0.7%
Source: Data presented in this table are taken from Table 2 through Table 22; sources are cited for each
table. Percentages are rounded. Data in this table include Independents who caucused with the majority or
minority party, as noted in the tables corresponding with each Congress. The second-to-last column presents
the percentage of total committee seats for the majority conference.






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Table 2. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 118th Congress (2023-2025)

Distribution of Seats

Majority-Minority
Conference Seat

Total
Majority (D) Minority (R)
Independent (I)a
Margin
Total Senators
100
48
49
3
2
Total Committee Seats
380
186
181
13
18
Committees
Agriculture, Nutrition, and
24
12
11
0
1
Forestry
Appropriations
30
15
14
0
1
Armed Services
25
12
12
1
1
Banking, Housing, and Urban
23
11
11
1
1
Affairs
Budget
21
10
10
1
1
Commerce, Science, and
27
13
13
1
1
Transportation
Energy and Natural Resources
18
8
9
2
1
Environment and Public Works
19
9
9
1
1
Finance
28
14
13
0
1
Foreign Relations
22
11
10
0
1
Health, Education, Labor, and
21
10
10
1
1
Pensions
Homeland Security and
15
7
7
1
1
Governmental Affairs
Indian Affairs
12
6
5
0
1
Judiciary
22
11
10
0
1
Rules and Administration
18
9
8
0
1
Small Business and
20
10
9
0
1
Entrepreneurship
Veterans’ Affairs
17
7
9
3
1
Select Committee on Ethics
6
3
3
0
0
Select Committee on
17
8
8
1
1
Intelligence
Source: United States Senate, “Committee Membership List,” accessed April 7, 2023, at
https://www.senate.gov/general/committee_membership/committee_memberships_SSAF.htm. It does not reflect
any subsequent changes in party ratios.
Notes: The Special Committee on Aging is the only other Senate committee to exist in the 118th Congress
(exclusive of Senate assignments to joint committees). It has existed as a permanent committee since 1977. In
the 118th Congress, it has a total of 13 committee members (7 Democrats and 6 Republicans).
a. Senators who caucused with the majority (Democrats): Senator Bernard Sanders, an Independent, Senator
Angus King, an Independent, and Senator Kyrsten Sinema, an Independent. Margins are calculated by adding
these Senators’ seats to the majority seats.


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Table 3. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 117th Congress (2021-2023)

Distribution of Seats

Majority-Minority
Conference Seat

Total
Majority (D) Minority (R)
Independent (I)a
Margin
Total Senators
100
48
50
2
0
Total Committee Seats
390
186
195
9
0
Committees
Agriculture, Nutrition, and
22
11
11
0
0
Forestry
Appropriations
30
15
15
0
0
Armed Services
26
12
13
1
0
Banking, Housing, and Urban
24
12
12
0
0
Affairs
Budget
22
10
11
1
0
Commerce, Science, and
28
14
14
0
0
Transportation
Energy and Natural Resources
20
8
10
2
0
Environment and Public Works
20
9
10
1
0
Finance
28
14
14
0
0
Foreign Relations
22
11
11
0
0
Health, Education, Labor, and
22
10
11
1
0
Pensions
Homeland Security and
14
7
7
0
0
Governmental Affairs
Indian Affairs
12
6
6
0
0
Judiciary
22
11
11
0
0
Rules and Administration
18
8
9
1
0
Small Business and
20
10
10
0
0
Entrepreneurship
Veterans’ Affairs
18
8
9
1
0
Select Committee on Ethics
6
3
3
0
0
Select Committee on
16
7
8
1
0
Intelligence
Source: United States Senate, “Membership and Assignments,” accessed April 8, 2021, at
https://www.senate.gov/committees/membership_assignments.htm. It does not reflect any subsequent changes in
party ratios.
Notes: The Special Committee on Aging was the only other Senate committee to exist in the 117th Congress
(exclusive of Senate assignments to joint committees). It has existed as a permanent committee since 1977. In
the 117th Congress, it had a total of 14 committee members (7 Democrats and 7 Republicans).
a. Senators who caucused with the majority (Democrats): Senator Bernard Sanders, an Independent, and
Senator Angus King, an Independent. Margins are calculated by adding these Senators’ seats to the majority
seats.

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Senate Committee Party Ratios: 98th-118th Congresses

Table 4. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 116th Congress (2019-2021)

Distribution of Seats

Majority-Minority
Conference Seat

Total
Majority (R) Minority (D) Independent (I)
Margin
Total Senators
100
53
45
2
6
Total Committee Seats
389
207
173
9
25
Committees
Agriculture, Nutrition, and
20
11
9
0
2
Forestry
Appropriations
31
16
15
0
1
Armed Services
27
14
12
1
1
Banking, Housing, and Urban
25
13
12
0
1
Affairs
Budget
21
11
9
1
1
Commerce, Science, and
26
14
12
0
2
Transportation
Energy and Natural Resources
20
11
7
2
2
Environment and Public Works
21
11
9
1
1
Finance
28
15
13
0
2
Foreign Relations
22
12
10
0
2
Health, Education, Labor, and
23
12
10
1
1
Pensions
Homeland Security and
14
8
6
0
2
Governmental Affairs
Indian Affairs
13
7
6
0
1
Judiciary
22
12
10
0
2
Rules and Administration
19
10
8
1
1
Small Business and
19
10
9
0
1
Entrepreneurship
Veterans’ Affairs
17
9
7
1
1
Select Committee on Ethics
6
3
3
0
0
Select Committee on
15
8
6
1
1
Intelligence
Source: The Senate of the United States Committee and Subcommittee Assignments for the One Hundred Sixteenth
Congress
, Prepared Under the Direction of Julie E. Adams, Secretary of the Senate, by John J. Merlino, Legislative
Clerk, March 18, 2019 (Washington: GPO, 2019), S.Pub. 116-2. It does not reflect any subsequent changes in
party ratios.
Notes: Senators who caucused with the minority (Democrats): Senator Bernard Sanders, an Independent, and
Senator Angus King, an Independent. Margins are calculated by adding these Senators’ seats to the minority
seats.
The Special Committee on Aging was the only other Senate committee to exist in the 116th Congress (exclusive
of Senate assignments to joint committees). It has existed as a permanent committee since 1977. In the 116th
Congress, it had a total of 15 committee members (8 Republicans and 7 Democrats).
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Senate Committee Party Ratios: 98th-118th Congresses

Table 5. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 115th Congress (2017-2019)

Distribution of Seats

Majority-Minority
Conference Seat

Total
Majority (R) Minority (D) Independent (I)
Margin
Total Senators
100
52
46
2
4
Total Committee Seats
390
205
175
10
20
Committees
Agriculture, Nutrition, and
21
11
10

1
Forestry
Appropriations
31
16
15

1
Armed Services
27
14
12
1
1
Banking, Housing, and Urban
23
12
11

1
Affairs
Budget
23
12
9
2
1
Commerce, Science, and
27
14
13

1
Transportation
Energy and Natural Resources
23
12
9
2
1
Environment and Public Works
21
11
9
1
1
Finance
26
14
12

2
Foreign Relations
21
11
10

1
Health, Education, Labor, and
23
12
10
1
1
Pensions
Homeland Security and
15
8
7

1
Governmental Affairs
Indian Affairs
15
8
7

1
Judiciary
20
11
9

2
Rules and Administration
19
10
8
1
1
Small Business and
19
10
9

1
Entrepreneurship
Veterans’ Affairs
15
8
6
1
1
Select Committee on Ethics
6
3
3

0
Select Committee on
15
8
6
1
1
Intelligence
Source: The Senate of the United States Committee and Subcommittee Assignments for the One Hundred Fifteenth
Congress
, Prepared Under the Direction of Julie E. Adams, Secretary of the Senate, by John J. Merlino, Legislative
Clerk, April 4, 2017 (Washington: GPO, 2017), S.Pub. 115-4. It does not reflect any subsequent changes in party
ratios.
Notes: Senators who caucused with the minority (Democrats): Senator Bernard Sanders, an Independent, and
Senator Angus King, an Independent. Margins are calculated by adding these Senators’ seats to the minority
seats.
The Special Committee on Aging was the only other Senate committee to exist in the 115th Congress (exclusive
of Senate assignments to joint committees). It has existed as a permanent committee since 1977. In the 115th
Congress, it had a total of 17 committee members (9 Republicans and 8 Democrats).
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Senate Committee Party Ratios: 98th-118th Congresses

Table 6. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 114th Congress (2015-2017)

Distribution of Seats

Majority-Minority
Conference Seat

Total Majority (R) Minority (D) Independent (I)
Margin
Total Senators
100
54
44
2
8
Total Committee Seats
376
204
162
10
32
Committees
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
20
11
9

2
Appropriations
30
16
14

2
Armed Services
26
14
11
1
2
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
22
12
10

2
Budget
22
12
8
2
2
Commerce, Science, and
24
13
11

2
Transportation
Energy and Natural Resources
22
12
8
2
2
Environment and Public Works
20
11
8
1
2
Finance
26
14
12

2
Foreign Relations
19
10
9

1
Health, Education, Labor, and
22
12
9
1
2
Pensions
Homeland Security and
16
9
7

2
Governmental Affairs
Indian Affairs
14
8
6

2
Judiciary
20
11
9

2
Rules and Administration
18
10
7
1
2
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
15
8
6
1
1
Source: The Senate of the United States Committee and Subcommittee Assignments for the One Hundred Fourteenth
Congress
, Prepared Under the Direction of Julie E. Adams, Secretary of the Senate, by John J. Merlino, Legislative
Clerk, May 13, 2015 (Washington: GPO, 2015), S.Pub. 114-5.
Notes: Senators who caucused with the minority (Democrats): Senator Bernard Sanders, an Independent, and
Senator Angus King, an Independent. Margins are calculated by adding these Senators’ seats to the minority
seats.
The Special Committee on Aging was the only other Senate committee to exist in the 114th Congress (exclusive
of Senate assignments to joint committees). It has existed as a permanent committee since 1977. In the 114th
Congress, it had a total of 20 committee members (11 Republicans and 9 Democrats).
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Senate Committee Party Ratios: 98th-118th Congresses

Table 7. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 113th Congress (2013-2015)

Distribution of Seats

Majority-Minority
Conference Seat

Total Majority (D) Minority (R) Independent (I)
Margin
Total Senators
100
52
46
2
8
Total Committee Seats
367
192
166
9
35
Committees
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
20
11
9

2
Appropriations
30
16
14

2
Armed Services
26
13
12
1
2
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
22
12
10

2
Budget
22
10
10
2
2
Commerce, Science, and
Transportation
24
13
11

2
Energy and Natural Resources
22
11
10
1
2
Environment and Public Works
18
9
8
1
2
Finance
24
13
11

2
Foreign Relations
18
10
8

2
Health, Education, Labor, and
Pensions
22
11
10
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
9
8
1
2
Small Business and Entrepreneurship
18
10
8

2
Veterans’ Affairs
14
7
6
1
2
Select Committee on Ethics
6
3
3

0
Select Committee on Intelligence
15
7
7
1
1
Source: The Senate of the United States Committee and Subcommittee Assignments for the One Hundred Thirteenth
Congress
, Prepared Under the Direction of Nancy Erickson, Secretary of the Senate, by Kathleen Alvarez Tritak,
Legislative Clerk, January 30, 2014 (Washington: GPO, 2014), S.Pub. 113-14.
Notes: Senators who caucused with the majority (Democrats): Senator Bernard Sanders, an Independent, and
Senator Angus King, an Independent. Margins are calculated by adding these Senators’ seats to the majority seats.
The Special Committee on Aging was the only other Senate committee to exist in the 113th Congress (exclusive
of Senate assignments to joint committees). It has existed as a permanent committee since 1977. In the 113th
Congress, it had a total of 20 committee members (11 Democrats and 9 Republicans).
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Senate Committee Party Ratios: 98th-118th Congresses

Table 8. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 112th Congress (2011-2013)

Distribution of Seats

Majority-Minority
Indp.-
Conference Seat

Total Majority (D) Minority (R)
Dem.
Indp.
Margin
Total Senators
100
51
47
1
1
6
Total Committee Seats
374
193
173
3
5
28
Committees
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
21
11
10


1
Appropriations
30
16
14


2
Armed Services
26
13
12
1

2
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
22
12
10


2
Budget
23
11
11

1
1
Commerce, Science, and
25
13
12


1
Transportation
Energy and Natural Resources
22
11
10

1
2
Environment and Public Works
18
9
8

1
2
Finance
24
13
11


2
Foreign Relations
19
10
9


1
Health, Education, Labor, and
22
11
10

1
2
Pensions
Homeland Security and
17
8
8
1

1
Governmental Affairs
Indian Affairs
14
8
6


2
Judiciary
18
10
8


2
Rules and Administration
18
10
8


2
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 Twelfth
Congress
, Prepared Under the Direction of Nancy Erickson, Secretary of the Senate, by Kathleen Alvarez Tritak,
Legislative Clerk, April 8, 2011 (Washington: GPO, 2011), S.Pub. 112-6.
Notes: 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.
The Special Committee on Aging was the only other Senate committee to exist in the 112th Congress (exclusive
of Senate assignments to joint committees). It has existed as a permanent committee since 1977. In the 112th
Congress, it had a total of 21 committee members (11 Democrats and 10 Republicans).
Congressional Research Service

10

Senate Committee Party Ratios: 98th-118th Congresses

Table 9. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 111th Congress (2009-2011)

Distribution of Seats

Majority-Minority
Indp.-
Conference Seat

Total Majority (D) Minority (R)
Dem.
Indp.
Margin
Total Senators
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
Small 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 the result of the Minnesota 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 a 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.
The Special Committee on Aging was the only other Senate committee to exist in the 111th Congress (exclusive
of Senate assignments to joint committees). It has existed as a permanent committee since 1977. In the 111th
Congress, it had a total of 21 committee members (13 Democrats and 8 Republicans).
Congressional Research Service

11

Senate Committee Party Ratios: 98th-118th Congresses


Table 10. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 110th Congress (2007-2009)

Distribution of Seats

Majority-Minority
Indp.-
Conference Seat

Total Majority (D) Minority (R) Dem. Indp.
Margin
Total Senators
100
49
49
1
1
2
Total Committee Seats
372
186
177
4
5
18
Committees
Agriculture, Nutrition, and
21
11
10


1
Forestry
Appropriations
29
15
14


1
Armed Services
25
12
12
1

1
Banking, Housing, and Urban
21
11
10


1
Affairs
Budget
23
11
11

1
1
Commerce, Science, and
23
12
11


1
Transportation
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
21
10
10

1
1
Pensions
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.
The Special Committee on Aging was the only other Senate committee to exist in the 110th Congress (exclusive
of Senate assignments to joint committees). It has existed as a permanent committee since 1977. In the 110th
Congress, it had a total of 21 committee members (11 Democrats and 10 Republicans).
Congressional Research Service

12

Senate Committee Party Ratios: 98th-118th Congresses

Table 11. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 109th Congress (2005-2007)

Distribution of Seats

Majority-Minority
Conference Seat

Total
Majority (R)
Minority (D)
Indp.
Margin
Total Senators
100
55
44
1
10
Total Committee Seats
353
194
155
4
35
Committees
Agriculture, Nutrition, and
20
11
9

2
Forestry
Appropriations
28
15
13

2
Armed Services
24
13
11

2
Banking, Housing, and Urban
20
11
9

2
Affairs
Budget
22
12
10

2
Commerce, Science, and
22
12
10

2
Transportation
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
20
11
8
1
2
Pensions
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).
The Special Committee on Aging was the only other Senate committee to exist in the 109th Congress (exclusive
of Senate assignments to joint committees). It has existed as a permanent committee since 1977. In the 109th
Congress, it had a total of 20 committee members (11 Republicans and 9 Democrats).
Congressional Research Service

13

Senate Committee Party Ratios: 98th-118th Congresses

Table 12. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 108th Congress (2003-2005)

Distribution of Seats

Majority-Minority
Conference Seat

Total
Majority (R)
Minority (D)
Indp.
Margin
Total Senators
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
23
12
11

1
Transportation
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
21
11
9
1
1
Pensions
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).
The Special Committee on Aging was the only other Senate committee to exist in the 108th Congress (exclusive
of Senate assignments to joint committees). It has existed as a permanent committee since 1977. In the 108th
Congress, it had a total of 21 committee members (11 Republicans and 10 Democrats).
Congressional Research Service

14

Senate Committee Party Ratios: 98th-118th Congresses

Table 13. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 107th Congress (2001-2003)

Distribution of Seats

Majority-Minority

Total
Majority (D)
Minority (R)
Indp. Conference Seat Margin
Total Senators
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
23
12
11

1
Transportation
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
21
10
10
1
1
Pensions
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 S.Res. 120, agreed to on June 29, 2001, gave the majority a one-
seat advantage on every committee of the Senate (except for Ethics) and provided that no Senator would lose a
committee seat by virtue of the resolution. At the beginning of the 107th Congress, the Senate was divided
equally between Republicans and Democrats. Democrats chaired al committees for the first 17 days of the
session, and Republicans assumed the committee chairmanships fol owing 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, a power-sharing agreement, was agreed to on January 5, 2001. Senator James M. Jeffords changed party
affiliation from Republican to Independent and caucused with Democrats effective June 6, 2001; Republicans then
held 49 seats and the Democrats, with 50 seats, gained control of the Senate.
The Special Committee on Aging was the only other Senate committee to exist in the 107th Congress (exclusive
of Senate assignments to joint committees). It has existed as a permanent committee since 1977. In the 107th
Congress, it had a total of 21 committee members (11 Democrats and 10 Republicans).
Congressional Research Service

15

Senate Committee Party Ratios: 98th-118th Congresses

Table 14. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 106th Congress (1999-2001)

Distribution of Seats

Majority-Minority
Conference Seat

Total
Majority (R)
Minority (D)
Margin
Total Senators
100
55
45
10
Total Committee Seats
339
187
152
35
Committees
Agriculture, Nutrition, and
18
10
8
2
Forestry
Appropriations
28
15
13
2
Armed Services
20
11
9
2
Banking, Housing, and Urban
20
11
9
2
Affairs
Budget
22
12
10
2
Commerce, Science, and
20
11
9
2
Transportation
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
18
10
8
2
Pensions
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, March 29, 1999 (Washington: GPO, 1999), S.Pub. 106-3.
Congressional Research Service

16

Senate Committee Party Ratios: 98th-118th Congresses

Table 15. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 105th Congress (1997-1999)

Distribution of Seats

Majority-Minority
Conference Seat

Total
Majority (R)
Minority (D)
Margin
Total Senators
100
55
45
10
Total Committee Seats
337
186
151
35
Committees
Agriculture, Nutrition, and
18
10
8
2
Forestry
Appropriations
28
15
13
2
Armed Services
18
10
8
2
Banking, Housing, and Urban
18
10
8
2
Affairs
Budget
22
12
10
2
Commerce, Science, and
20
11
9
2
Transportation
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 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 January 9,
1997, S.Pub. 3.)
Congressional Research Service

17

Senate Committee Party Ratios: 98th-118th Congresses

Table 16. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 104th Congress (1995-1997)

Distribution of Seats

Majority-Minority
Conference Seat

Total
Majority (R)
Minority (D)
Margin
Total Senators
100
53
47
6
Total Committee Seats
331
180
151
29
Committees
Agriculture, Nutrition, and
17
9
8
1
Forestry
Appropriations
28
15
13
2
Armed Services
21
11
10
1
Banking, Housing, and Urban
16
9
7
2
Affairs
Budget
22
12
10
2
Commerce, Science, and
19
10
9
1
Transportation
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, 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

18

Senate Committee Party Ratios: 98th-118th Congresses

Table 17. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 103rd Congress (1993-1995)

Distribution of Seats

Majority-Minority
Conference Seat

Total
Majority (D)
Minority (R)
Margin
Total Senators
100
56
44
12
Total Committee Seats
346
193
153
40
Committees
Agriculture, Nutrition, and
18
10
8
2
Forestry
Appropriations
29
16
13
3
Armed Services
22
12
10
2
Banking, Housing, and Urban
19
11
8
3
Affairs
Budget
21
12
9
3
Commerce, Science, and
20
11
9
2
Transportation
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
Small Business
22
12
10
2
Veterans’ Affairs
12
7
5
2
Select Committee on Ethics
6
3
3
0
Select Committee on
17
9
8
1
Intelligence
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, November 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, 1993), 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

19

Senate Committee Party Ratios: 98th-118th Congresses

Table 18. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 102nd Congress (1991-1993)

Distribution of Seats

Majority-Minority
Conference Seat

Total
Majority (D)
Minority (R)
Margin
Total Senators
100
57
43
14
Total Committee Seats
332
188
144
44
Committees
Agriculture, Nutrition, and
18
10
8
2
Forestry
Appropriations
29
16
13
3
Armed Services
20
11
9
2
Banking, Housing, and Urban
21
12
9
3
Affairs
Budget
21
12
9
3
Commerce, Science, and
20
11
9
2
Transportation
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
15
8
7
1
Intelligence
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, September 23, 1991 (Washington: GPO,
1991), S.Pub. 102-9. (Two interim lists were issued: S.Pub. 102-3 (March 25, 1991) and S.Pub. 102-7 (June 21,
1991).)
Congressional Research Service

20

Senate Committee Party Ratios: 98th-118th Congresses

Table 19. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 101st Congress (1989-1991)

Distribution of Seats

Majority-Minority
Conference Seat

Total
Majority (D)
Minority (R)
Margin
Total Senators
100
55
45
10
Total Committee Seats
327
180
147
33
Committees
Agriculture, Nutrition, and
19
10
9
1
Forestry
Appropriations
29
16
13
3
Armed Services
20
11
9
2
Banking, Housing, and Urban
21
12
9
3
Affairs
Budget
23
13
10
3
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
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
15
8
7
1
Intelligence
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

21

Senate Committee Party Ratios: 98th-118th Congresses

Table 20. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 100th Congress (1987-1989)

Distribution of Seats

Majority-Minority
Conference Seat

Total
Majority (D)
Minority (R)
Margin
Total Senators
100
54
46
8
Total Committee Seats
325
178
147
31
Committees
Agriculture, Nutrition, and
19
10
9
1
Forestry
Appropriations
29
16
13
3
Armed Services
20
11
9
2
Banking, Housing, and Urban
20
11
9
2
Affairs
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
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
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.
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Senate Committee Party Ratios: 98th-118th Congresses

Table 21. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 99th Congress (1985-1987)

Distribution of Seats

Majority-Minority
Conference Seat

Total
Majority (R)
Minority (D)
Margin
Total Senators
100
53
47
6
Total Committee Seats
312
168
144
24
Committees
Agriculture, Nutrition, and
17
9
8
1
Forestry
Appropriations
29
15
14
1
Armed Services
19
10
9
1
Banking, Housing, and Urban
15
8
7
1
Affairs
Budget
22
12
10
2
Commerce, Science, and
17
9
8
1
Transportation
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
9
5
4
1
Affairs
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. (All 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).)
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Senate Committee Party Ratios: 98th-118th Congresses

Table 22. Senate Committee Party Ratios: 98th Congress (1983-1985)

Distribution of Seats

Majority-Minority
Conference Seat

Total
Majority (R)
Minority (D)
Margin
Total Senators
100
54
46
8
Total Committee Seats
320
175
145
30
Committees
Agriculture, Nutrition, and
18
10
8
2
Forestry
Appropriations
29
15
14
1
Armed Services
18
10
8
2
Banking, Housing, and Urban
18
10
8
2
Affairs
Budget
22
12
10
2
Commerce, Science, and
17
9
8
1
Transportation
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 Cong., 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).

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Senate Committee Party Ratios: 98th-118th Congresses


Author Information

Sarah J. Eckman

Analyst in American National Government


Acknowledgments
Lorraine Tong and Matthew Glassman authored previous versions of this report. William Egar also
coauthored a previous version of this report.


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Congressional Research Service
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