Number: RL34752
Title: Senate Committee Party Ratios: 94th - 110th Congresses
Authors: Lorraine H. Tong, Government and Finance Division 
Abstract: In general, it has been the practice of the Senate to apportion committee seats to the majority and minority parties in a manner that corresponds closely to the party strength in the full chamber. This report provides an overview of Senate standing committee sizes and ratios for the 94th through 110th Congresses. Also included are data on permanent select committees with legislative jurisdiction. A table for each Congress shows the party division in the Senate, total number of seats on each committee, number of seats assigned to the majority and minority parties, and, where present, number of seats assigned to independents. The tables also provide the number of majority-minority caucus seat margins in the chamber and for each committee. A comparison of the Senate majority caucus seats in the chamber and in committees is provided in a separate table. During the 17 Congresses referenced in this report, the sizes of committees have generally increased as have the number of committee assignments a Senator typically receives. Data from this study indicate that the majority party ratios on committees roughly approximate the majority party strength in the Senate chamber, regardless of which party is in control.
Pages: 23
Date: November 18, 2008