List of United States Senators
(See also List of Members of the U.S. House of Representatives)Each state elects two senators. Until 1913 Senators were chosen by the state legislatures. In 1913, the 17th Amendment to the United States Constitution provided for the direct popular election of senators.
The current party composition of the Senate is:
- 51 Republicanss
- 48 Democratss
- 1 Independent
- President of the Senate: Richard B. Cheney, Vice-President of the United States
- President pro tem of the Senate: Senator Ted Stevens of Alaska
- Senate Majority Leader: Senator Bill Frist of Tennessee
- Senate Minority Leader: Senator Tom Daschle of South Dakota
- Senate Majority Whip: Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky
- Senate Minority Whip: Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island
