Congressional term limits have recently gained renewed attention in political discourse. Calls for “new blood” in Congress and efforts to “drain the swamp” continue to be popular refrains among voters. A 2023 survey showed 87 percent of Americans supported implementing term limits for members of Congress.
While there have been efforts to limit the number of terms representatives and senators can serve, there are currently no term limits for Congress. If term limits were enacted, which members of Congress would no longer be allowed to serve? We put together a list of the longest-serving members of Congress as well as historical record holders for longest tenure in office.
The members of Congress included in this blog have served for at least 36 years in the House, Senate, or a combination of both. In matters where there was a tie for the amount of time served, members were sorted first by uninterrupted service, chronological order, senators over representatives, and Senate and House seniority.
The biographies provided below were created using Quorum Copilot and our extensive set of legislative data.
10 Longest-Serving Active Members of Congress
A small group of legislators have shaped U.S. policy for decades, with some serving in both the House and Senate over their careers. These ten members hold the longest combined records of service in the 119th Congress
*Denotes service in both the House and Senate
- Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) — 50 years* (1975 – present)
- Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA) — 48 years* (1977 – present)
- Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) — 44 years* (1981 – present)
- Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) — 44 years* (1981 – present)
- Rep. Hal Rogers (R-KY-5) — 44 years (1981 – present)
- Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ-4) — 44 years (1981 – present)
- Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD-5) — 44 years (1981 – present)
- Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) — 42 years* (1983 – present)
- Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-OH-9) — 42 years (1983 – present)
- Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) — 40 years (1985 – present)
Longest-Serving Former and Current Senators
Longest-Serving Active Senators
Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA): 50 Years*
Grassley has a notable voting history and a record of accomplishments in Congress. Over his extensive career, he has sponsored 909 bills, with 18.59% of them making it out of committee and 4.29% being enacted. Grassley is known for voting with his party 90.4% of the time, demonstrating a strong alignment with Republican values. He frequently collaborates with other senators, most notably co-sponsoring bills with John Cornyn (R-TX), Dick Durbin (D-IL), and Joni Ernst (R-IA).
Grassley’s legislative focus includes areas such as law, commerce, health, crime and law enforcement, and finance. His leadership roles have included chairing the Judiciary Committee and serving on the Finance, Budget, Taxation, and Agriculture committees. These positions have allowed him to influence significant policy areas and contribute to legislative processes that impact both Iowa and the nation.
His pragmatic approach and ability to work across the aisle have earned him a reputation as one of the Senate’s most effective and collaborative lawmakers.
Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA): 48 Years*
Markey has a distinguished career in Congress marked by his commitment to progressive causes and legislative accomplishments. Initially serving nearly 37 years in the U.S. House of Representatives, Markey transitioned to the Senate in 2013. Known for his advocacy on climate change, he co-authored the Green New Deal resolution, which sparked significant debate on environmental policy.
Markey’s legislative efforts have also focused on telecommunications, where he played a pivotal role in the passage of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, which facilitated the growth of broadband networks. In the Senate, he led efforts to reinstate net neutrality rules, showcasing his dedication to maintaining open internet access.
Markey’s voting record reflects his progressive stance, often aligning with liberal policies and working collaboratively with fellow Democrats to advance key legislative initiatives. His victory over Joe Kennedy in the 2020 primary further solidified his position as a leading progressive voice in the Senate.
Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR): 44 Years*
Wyden is known for his innovative approach and dedication to bipartisan solutions in Congress. Serving since 1981, Wyden has sponsored 899 bills, with 11.9% making it out of committee and 2.89% enacted. He frequently collaborates with fellow Democrats, notably co-sponsoring bills with Jeff Merkley, Ed Markey, and Patty Murray.
Wyden’s legislative focus includes commerce, health, economics, science, and law. He has been instrumental in expanding unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 crisis, updating Medicare services, and advocating for internet policies that promote free access to information. As Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, Wyden has championed tax reforms to benefit small businesses and families.
His commitment to transparency and open government is evident in his efforts to declassify national security documents and promote voting by mail. Wyden’s accomplishments reflect his dedication to addressing the needs of working families and fostering economic growth through innovative policies.
Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY): 44 Years*
Schumer has been a prominent figure in Congress, known for his dedication to addressing the needs of his constituents and his impactful legislative work. Serving since 1980, Schumer has sponsored 1,013 bills, with 8.79% making it out of committee and 2.86% enacted. He frequently collaborates with fellow Democrats, notably co-sponsoring bills with Kirsten Gillibrand, Dick Durbin, and Richard Blumenthal.
Schumer’s legislative focus includes crime and law enforcement, commerce, and economics. He has been instrumental in passing significant legislation such as the Violence Against Women Act and the Brady Bill, which instituted mandatory background checks for handgun purchases.
As the Senate Democratic Leader, Schumer has played a crucial role in shaping the party’s legislative agenda and advocating for policies that support middle-class families. His commitment to public service is evident in his efforts to secure federal aid for New York in times of crisis, such as the aftermath of 9/11 and Superstorm Sandy.
Longest-Serving Former Senators
Sen. Robert Byrd (D-WV): 51 Years (1959-2010)
As the longest ever serving senator in U.S. history, Byrd certainly left his mark on the chamber. Byrd was renowned for his parliamentary procedure and precedent knowledge and developed several rules and concepts such as pork-barrel spending, and the ever aggrieved Byrd Rule, which requires a ⅗ Senate majority vote to pass a bill.
Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-HI): 49 Years (1963-2012)
Inouye was the first legislator elected to represent Hawaii after it achieved full statehood in 1959 and was later elected to the Senate in 1962. Inouye was the first Japanese American to serve the House and Senate. A Medal of Honor recipient, Inouye pursued civic service after losing an arm to a battle wound during World War II. Inouye served as Hawaii’s senator up until his death in 2012.
Sen. Strom Thurmond (D-SC, R-SC): 48 Years (1954-2003)
A notorious segregationist, Thurmond conducted the longest ever speaking filibuster delivered by a single senator, speaking for 24 hours and 18 minutes in an unsuccessful attempt to block the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1957. Thurmond reached the age of 100 while in office in 2003, also giving him the title of the oldest serving senator ever in office. Thurmond was also the longest-serving member of Congress to solely serve in the Senate.
Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT): 47 Years (1975-2023)
Leahy served as the President pro tempore of the US Senate, presiding over the Senate when the Vice President was absent. This position put Sen. Leahy third in the line of succession to the presidency, behind the Vice President and Speaker of the House. He sponsored 564 bills during his tenure, voting with his party 92.0 percent of the time, getting 31.56 percent of his bills out of committee, and 7.62 percent of his sponsored bills enacted. Leahy most frequently cosponsors bills with Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) (111 bills), Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) (103 bills), and Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) (91 bills). Sen. Leahy did not seek reelection in 2022 and retired at the end of his term.
Longest-Serving House Members
The most recent bill on term limits, H.Res. 200, was introduced on March 6, 2025, by Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA-17). This resolution proposes 12-year term limits for members of Congress as part of a broader government reform effort and is currently under review by the Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on House Administration.
Longest-Serving Active Representatives
The longest-serving active representatives—Hal Rogers (R-KY-5), Chris Smith (R-NJ-4), and Steny Hoyer (D-MD-5)—each assumed office in 1981, marking over four decades of continuous service in the House.
Rep. Hal Rogers (R-KY-5): 44 years
Rogers is the current Dean of the U.S. House of Representatives. Known for his commitment to economic development and job creation, Rogers has been instrumental in initiatives like Eastern Kentucky PRIDE and Operation UNITE, which focus on revitalizing the environment and combating drug abuse. As Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee from 2011 to 2016, he played a key role in reducing federal spending by $126 billion and enhancing fiscal discipline. Rogers has sponsored 71 bills, with 43.66% making it out of committee and 21.13% enacted, reflecting his effectiveness in Congress.
His legislative focus includes economics, public lands, international affairs, and national security, consistently advocating for fiscal responsibility and a strong national defense.
Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ-4): 44 years
Smith is a seasoned legislator known for his extensive work in international affairs, health, and human rights. As a senior member of the Foreign Affairs Committee and Chair of the China Committee, Smith has been a leading voice on global health and human rights issues. He has sponsored 575 bills, with 20% making it out of committee and 8.17% enacted, showcasing his legislative effectiveness.
Smith is renowned for authoring significant laws, including the Trafficking Victims Protection Act and the International Megan’s Law, aimed at combating human trafficking and protecting children. His commitment to veterans is evident in the 14 enacted veterans laws he has authored, addressing healthcare and benefits for those who served.
Smith’s voting record reflects his dedication to bipartisan collaboration, frequently co-sponsoring bills with both Republican and Democratic colleagues. His career is marked by a steadfast commitment to human rights, public health, and national security.
Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD-5): 44 years
Hoyer is a prominent figure in Congress known for his leadership and legislative accomplishments. As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, Hoyer has been instrumental in securing funding for key infrastructure and environmental projects, including efforts to protect the Chesapeake Bay. He has sponsored 107 bills, with 16.82% making it out of committee and 6.54% enacted, reflecting his effectiveness in advancing legislation.
Hoyer is renowned for his role in passing the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Help America Vote Act, both landmark pieces of legislation that have had a significant impact on civil rights and election reform. His voting record shows strong alignment with Democratic values, voting with his party 91.4% of the time.
Hoyer’s dedication to public service and his constituents is evident in his efforts to create jobs, improve transportation, and enhance public safety in his district.
Longest-Serving Former Representatives
Rep. John Dingell (D-MI-12): 59 Years (1955-2015)
Beginning his career by replacing his father John Dingell Sr. as representative for Michigan’s 16th district in a special election in 1955, and was re-elected 29 times to that seat, running unopposed twice. Upon Dingell’s retirement from office in 2015, he was succeeded by his wife, Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI-12) in a special election to fill his seat.
Rep. Jamie Whitten (D-MS-01): 53 Years (1941-1995)
Throughout his tenure, Whitten served on the Appropriations Committee, chairing it from 1979-1992, and used his time to advocate for agricultural spending. Coined a “New Dealer” for supporting FDR’s New Deal economic policies, Whitten pushed for liberal spending that established free and reduced school lunches and food stamp programs.
Rep. John Conyers (D-MI-13): 52 Years (1965-2017)
The longest-serving African American in Congress, Conyers co-founded the powerful Congressional Black Caucus in 1969. Conyers’ legacy in the House included establishing Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a federal holiday and getting the Voting Rights Act passed in 1965. A leader in civil rights, Conyers represented much of the historically African American community in western Detroit and used his position to advocate for racial equality.
Rep. Don Young (R-AK-01): 48 Years (1973-2022)
Young held the title of longest continuously serving representative until his passing on March 18, 2022, marking the end of his 48-year tenure in office. He served as the Dean of the House of Representatives, a symbolic post who is responsible for swearing in the Speaker of the House at the beginning of a new Congress. Young hailed from Alaska, and sat on the Natural Resources and Transportation committees. He worked most frequently on bills that covered natural resources, transportation, public works, and Native American issues.
Why Does Length of Time Served Matter?
When meeting with a member of Congress, understanding their tenure can provide insight into their legislative priorities and approach to policymaking. Longer-serving members may have institutional knowledge but may require more in-depth education on new policy areas. Conversely, newer members may be more open to fresh ideas but have less experience navigating the complexities of legislation.
Before engaging with a representative, research their legislative record, committee assignments, previous professions, and public statements. This preparation will help tailor your advocacy strategy to align with their experience and decision-making processes.
Congress continues to evolve, but tenure remains a key factor in shaping how policies are debated and enacted. By understanding the backgrounds of legislators, stakeholders can engage more effectively in the policymaking process.</span
