Membership of the 116th Congress: A Profile (CRS Report for Congress)
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| Release Date |
Revised Dec. 17, 2020 |
| Report Number |
R45583 |
| 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 116th Congress (2019-2020) as of May 20, 2020. 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 birth, and military service.
In the House of Representatives, there are 237 Democrats (including 4 Delegates), 200 Republicans (including 1 Delegate and the Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico), 1 Independent/Libertarian, and 3 vacant seats. The Senate has 53 Republicans, 45 Democrats, and 2 Independents, who both caucus with the Democrats. Additionally
The average age of Members of the House at the beginning of the 116th Congress was 57.6 years; of Senators, 62.9 years.
The overwhelming majority, 96%, 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 the collective majority of these affiliate with a Protestant denomination. 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 Adventist.
The average length of service for Representatives at the beginning of the 116th Congress was 8.6 years (4.3 House terms); for Senators, 10.1 years (1.7 Senate terms).
A record 131 women serve in the 116th Congress: 105 in the House, including 3 Delegates and the Resident Commissioner, and 26 in the Senate.
There are 54 African American Members of the House and 3 in the Senate. This House number includes two Delegates.
There are 51 Hispanic or Latino Members (a record number) serving: 46 in the House, including 2 Delegates and the Resident Commissioner, and 5 in the Senate.
There are 20 Members (14 Representatives, 3 Delegates, and 3 Senators) who are Asian Americans, Indian Americans, or Pacific Islander Americans. This is also a record number.
A record four American Indians (Native Americans) serve in the House.
The portions of this report covering political party affiliation, gender, ethnicity, and vacant seats may be updated as events warrant. The remainder of the report will not be updated.
