Number: RL32648
Title: Average Years of Service for Members of the Senate and House of Representatives, First-110th Congresses
Authors: Mildred Amer, Government and Finance Division 
Abstract: The average tenure of Members of the Senate and House of Representatives at the beginning of each Congress has varied substantially since 1789. The purpose of this report is to provide a Congress-by-Congress summary of the average years of service for Senators and Representatives for the First through the 110th Congresses. The information for each Congress reflects only the Members entitled to be seated at the beginning of that Congress. The report contains a brief summary of some of the explanations by political scientists and others for the various changes in the average years of service. The information should be read with the understanding that the length of congressional careers has also depended on the number of congressional retirements as well as the success rates for those incumbents who have sought reelection.
Pages: 8
Date: July 20, 2008