Membership of the 115th Congress: A Profile (CRS Report for Congress)
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| Release Date |
Revised Dec. 20, 2018 |
| Report Number |
R44762 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
Jennifer E. Manning |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
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Summary:
This report presents a profile of the membership of the 115th Congress (2017-2018) as of July 11,
2018. Statistical information is included on selected characteristics of Members, including data on
party affiliation, average age, occupation, education, length of congressional service, religious
affiliation, gender, ethnicity, foreign births, and military service.
In the House of Representatives, there are 238 Republicans (including 1 Delegate and the
Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico), 197 Democrats (including 4 Delegates), and 6 vacant
seats. The Senate has 51 Republicans, 47 Democrats, and 2 Independents, who both caucus with
the Democrats.
The average age of Members of the House at the beginning of the 115th Congress was 57.8 years;
of Senators, 61.8 years, among the oldest in U.S. history. The overwhelming majority of
Members of Congress have a college education. The dominant professions of Members are public
service/politics, business, and law. Most Members identify as Christians, and Protestants
collectively constitute the majority religious affiliation. Roman Catholics account for the largest
single religious denomination, and numerous other affiliations are represented, including Jewish,
Mormon, Buddhist, Muslim, Hindu, Greek Orthodox, Pentecostal Christian, Unitarian
Universalist, and Christian Science.
The average length of service for Representatives at the beginning of the 115th Congress was 9.4
years (4.7 House terms); for Senators, 10.1 years (1.7 Senate terms).
One hundred twelve women (a record number) serve in the 115th Congress: 89 in the House,
including 5 Delegates and the Resident Commissioner, and 23 in the Senate. There are 48 African
American Members of the House and 3 in the Senate. This House number includes two
Delegates. There are 46 Hispanic or Latino Members (a record number) serving: 41 in the House,
including 1 Delegate and the Resident Commissioner, and 5 in the Senate. Eighteen Members (13
Representatives, 2 Delegates, and 3 Senators) are Asian Americans, Indian Americans, or Pacific
Islander Americans. This is also a record number. Two American Indians (Native Americans)
serve in the House.
The portions of this report covering political party affiliation, gender, ethnicity, and vacant seats
will be updated as events warrant. The remainder of the report will not be updated.
