Membership of the 114th Congress: A Profile Page: 2 of 12
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Membership of the 114th Congress: A Profile
Summary
This report presents a profile of the membership of the 114th Congress (2015-2016). 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.
As of December 5, 2016, in the House of Representatives, there are 248 Republicans (including 1
Delegate), 192 Democrats (including 4 Delegates and the Resident Commissioner of Puerto
Rico), and one vacancy. The Senate has 54 Republicans, 44 Democrats, and 2 Independents, who
both caucus with the Democrats.
The average age of Members of the House at the beginning of the 114th Congress was 57.0 years;
of Senators, 61.0 years. 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.
The average length of service for Representatives at the beginning of the 114th Congress was 8.8
years (4.4 terms); for Senators, 9.7 years (1.6 terms).
One hundred eight women (a record number) serve in the 114th Congress: 88 in the House,
including 4 Delegates, and 20 in the Senate. There are 46 African American Members of the
House and 2 in the Senate. This House number includes two Delegates. There are 38 Hispanic or
Latino Members (a record number) serving: 34 in the House, including 1 Delegate and the
Resident Commissioner, and 4 in the Senate. Fourteen Members (11 Representatives, 2
Delegates, and 1 Senator) are Asian Americans or Pacific Islanders. 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.Congressional Research Service
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Manning, Jennifer E. Membership of the 114th Congress: A Profile, report, December 5, 2016; Washington D.C.. (https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc958648/m1/2/: accessed April 24, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.