U.S. Senate: Reference Home

Statistics & Lists

Since 1789, nearly 2,000 individuals have been a senator, 16 have become U.S. presidents, and 23 have been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The Senators Statistics & Lists page provides lists on these topics and many more including senators' service records, biographical characteristics, honors and accomplishments, and vital statistics.

Research Tip

THOMAS provides the full text of committee and conference reports from the 104th Congress (1995-96) to the current Congress. Reports can be browsed for by Senate, House, Joint, or Conference and searched for by word/phrase, report number, or bill number.

For more information on researching reports read, How to find committee reports and conference reports .

Virtual Reference Desk

Howard Baker and Sam Ervin investigate Watergate

The Virtual Reference Desk (VRD) organizes Senate information by subject and provides links to related materials.

Investigations is one of more than 50 VRD categories. Congress has conducted investigations of malfeasance since the 1790s. The need for congressional investigation remains a critical ingredient for restraining government and educating the public.


	Transcripts of hearings may be available on a committee Web site, from the Government Printing Office, or from a federal depository library. Learn how to find Committee Hearings.


	Some congressional and other government publications can be found on GPO-FDSYS,in a Federal Depository Library, or purchased from the GPO bookstore.


	You need a bill or public law number to check the status of or request a copy of legislation. This How to guide will assist you.