The United States Senate
The Senate has 100 members — two from each state, regardless of population — serving six-year terms staggered so roughly a third are up for re-election every two cycles. The Senate confirms presidential nominations, ratifies treaties, holds impeachment trials, and shares legislative power with the House. The Vice President serves as President of the Senate; the Senate Majority Leader and Minority Leader run their respective caucuses.
Democrats: 45Independents: 2Republicans: 53
Term length: Six-year terms (staggered)
Constitutional powers: Confirms cabinet appointees, federal judges, and ambassadors; ratifies treaties; conducts impeachment trials; shares legislative power with the House.
Bills introduced this term: 340
Top Senate Bill Sponsors
- Rand Paul R-Kentucky — 19 bills sponsored
- Tim Kaine D-Virginia — 17 bills sponsored
- John Cornyn R-Texas — 17 bills sponsored
- Bernard Sanders I-Vermont — 15 bills sponsored
- Gary C. Peters D-Michigan — 14 bills sponsored
- Charles E. Schumer D-New York — 13 bills sponsored
- John Thune R-South Dakota — 10 bills sponsored
- John Kennedy R-Louisiana — 9 bills sponsored
- Ted Cruz R-Texas — 9 bills sponsored
- Jeff Merkley D-Oregon — 8 bills sponsored
- Jerry Moran R-Kansas — 8 bills sponsored
- Mitch McConnell R-Kentucky — 8 bills sponsored