The collective Senate membership of nearly 1,900 men and women is documented in the recently published Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1774-2005. Continuing a nearly 150-year tradition, the 2,218-page volume is the 16th in a series of similar reference works.

The Biographical Directory print edition is complemented and enhanced by a frequently updated web edition. The web edition can be searched by name, state, position, or the year served in Congress. In addition to Member biographies, the online database features extensive bibliographies and information on research collections that include papers of Senators and Representatives. Nearly all Senate entries in the online directory are accompanied by a portrait.  

While the latest print edition of the Biographical Directory is complete, the work involved in maintaining senatorial biographies continues, both for the online biographical database and for other purposes. New Senators are elected or appointed, committee chairships change, and former Members tackle other challenges. Newly published biographies often shine a different light on old Senate careers.