U.S. Congress: A Current Overview

The United States Congress, the legislative branch of the federal government, plays a pivotal role in shaping national policy. As of February 20, 2026, understanding its structure, membership, and current status is crucial for investors, entrepreneurs, and anyone following American politics. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the U.S. Congress, drawing on the latest available data.

Structure of the U.S. Congress

The U.S. Congress is a bicameral legislature, meaning it consists of two chambers: the Senate and the House of Representatives. Both chambers convene at the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. Members are chosen through direct election, while Senate vacancies can be filled by gubernatorial appointment. United States Congress – Wikipedia

The Senate

The Senate comprises 100 voting officials, with each state represented by two senators who serve staggered six-year terms. Ballotpedia As of February 2, 2026, the Senate leadership includes:

• President of the Senate: J.D. Vance (R)
• President Pro Tempore of the Senate: Chuck Grassley (R)

Currently, the Senate is controlled by the Republican party with 53 seats, while the Democratic party holds 45 seats, and there are 2 Independents. United States Congress – Wikipedia

The House of Representatives

The House of Representatives has 435 voting officials, with representation based on each state’s population. Representatives serve two-year terms. Ballotpedia The Speaker of the House is currently Mike Johnson (R), having assumed the role on October 25, 2023. United States Congress – Wikipedia

As of February 2, 2026, the House is composed of:

• Republicans: 218 seats
• Democrats: 214 seats
• Vacancies: 3 seats

Current Vacancies

As of February 2, 2026, there are three vacancies in the U.S. House of Representatives and zero vacancies in the U.S. Senate. Ballotpedia

Accessing Information on Members

Profiles of U.S. Representatives and Senators, including their legislative activity, are available through congress.gov. Ballotpedia similarly offers a tool to identify representatives by location: “Who represents me?” tool.

Looking Ahead

The 119th Congress is currently in session. The next Senate elections are scheduled for November 3, 2026, and the next House of Representatives elections will also be held on November 3, 2026. United States Congress – Wikipedia These upcoming elections will likely reshape the composition and balance of power within Congress, impacting the legislative agenda for years to come.