Senators – Interesting Facts

The "Famous Five" Now the "Famous Nine"

In 1957, Senators John F. Kennedy, Richard Russell, Mike Mansfield, Styles Bridges, and John Bricker formed a committee to choose the five "most outstanding" former senators, whose portraits would adorn the U.S. Capitol's Senate Reception Room.  The committee deliberated for two years before choosing the "Famous Five."  In 2000, the Senate chose two more deserving senators, creating the "Famous Seven." In 2006, a portrait of Oliver Ellsworth and Roger Sherman was added to the collection, creating the "Famous Nine."       

Women in the Senate

Rebecca Felton, appointed to fill a vacancy, became the first woman senator in 1922, when she served for just 24 hours.  Hattie Wyatt Caraway of Arkansas, initially appointed to fill a vacancy, became the first woman elected to the Senate in 1932. As of January 3, 2007, 35 women have served as U.S. senators.

 

Ethnic Diversity in the Senate

How many ethnic minorities have served in the Senate? This list includes all African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans and North American Indians who have served in the United States Senate. 

 

Appointed Senators

The 17th Amendment to the Constitution (1913) established direct election of senators, as well as a means of filling vacant Senate seats. If a vacancy occurs due to a senator's death, resignation, or expulsion, the 17th Amendment allows state legislatures to empower the governor to appoint a replacement to complete the term or to hold office until a special election can take place. This list of appointed senators includes name, state, party, date of appointment, and whether or not the person was subsequently elected to the seat. 

 

Senators Representing Third or Minor Parties

While most U.S. senators have been affiliated with one of the major political parties, many members of the Senate have represented a third or other minor party. This list provides the names, service dates, and political party affiliation of the Senate's many independent members. 

 

Senators Who Changed Parties During Senate Service (Since 1890)

During the 19th century, as political parties evolved, senators frequently changed party affiliation or helped create new parties.  In the 20th century, however, as the modern Republican and Democratic political parties stabilized, the number of party-changers decreased.  This list of senators who have changed parties begins in 1890, and includes names, party affiliations and date of change, and a brief explanation of the reason for the change and any known consequences to the senator's continuing Senate career. 

 

Senate Salaries since 1789

Congress sets the salaries of the President, Supreme Court justices, as well as Representatives and Senators, and the Constitution requires that those salaries be paid from the national treasury.  During the First Congress, Senators and Representatives set their salary at six dollars per diem for every day that Congress met.  In 1856, Congress set an annual salary for its members, replacing the old per diem pay system. 

 

Senators Who Became President

To date, sixteen senators have also served as president of the United States. Three senators, Warren G. Harding, John F. Kennedy, and Barack Obama moved directly from the U.S. Senate to the White House.