The Directory provides archival, biographical, and bibliographical information for senators, representatives, vice presidents, and members of the Continental Congress. The Directory is available online and in print.

Outstanding former Senate leaders and other distinguished Americans share their insights about the Senate's recent history and long-term practices. These lectures were delivered in the Capitol's historic Old Senate Chamber to an audience of current Senators and specially invited guests from the executive branch, the diplomatic corps, the media and private enterprise.

The Senate's longest-serving majority leader, Mike Mansfield, delivered the first lecture on March 24, 1998. Eight others followed, including two presidents, two vice presidents, and four majority leaders.

Introduction to the Series by Senator Trent Lott

Read the Transcripts or View the Videos

Senator Mike Mansfield

Senator Howard H. Baker, Jr.

Senator Robert C. Byrd

President George Bush

Senator George J. Mitchell

Senator Bob Dole

Vice President Dan Quayle

President Gerald R. Ford

Vice President Walter Mondale

Statement by Senator Strom Thurmond

History of the Office of Majority Leader

Henry Cabot Lodge (R-MA)
1919-1925
(Status as majority leader was unofficial.)

Charles Curtis (R-KS)
1925-1929

James E. Watson (R-IN)
1929-1933

Joseph T. Robinson (D-AR)
1933-1937

Alben Barkley (D-KY)
1937-1947

Wallace H. White, Jr., (R-ME)
1947-1949

Scott W. Lucas (D-IL)
1949-1951

Ernest W. McFarland (D-AZ)
1951-1953

Robert A. Taft (R-OH)
1953

William F. Knowland (R-CA)
1953-1955

Lyndon B. Johnson (D-TX)
1955-1961

Mike Mansfield (D-MT)
1961-1977

Complete List of
Senate Majority and Minority Leaders