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In the News

Changing the Face of Power

Women in the U.S. Senate - A photo documentary by Post photographer Melina Mara.

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Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, (R-Tex.), leads her daughter, Bailey, by the hand back to a line of fellow senators on the steps of the U.S. Capitol during a ceremony to remember the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. (September 2002)

Melina Mara / The Washington Post

After casting her vote concerning the education bill, Senior Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) talks with Sen. John D. Rockefeller IV (D-W. Va.), left, while waiting for the 'Senators Only' elevator off the Senate floor. (March 2001)

After casting her vote concerning the education bill, Senior Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) talks with Sen. John D. Rockefeller IV (D-W. Va.), left, while waiting for the "Senators Only" elevator off the Senate floor. (March 2001)

Melina Mara / The Washington Post

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) speaks to fellow freshman senator, Sen. Jim Talent (R-Mo.), during President George Bush's State of the Union speech on the House floor on Capitol Hill. Only 14 percent of the seats in the U.S. Congress are held by women. (January 2003)

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) speaks to fellow freshman senator, Sen. Jim Talent (R-Mo.), during President George Bush's State of the Union speech on the House floor on Capitol Hill. Only 14 percent of the seats in the U.S. Congress are held by women. (January 2003)

Melina Mara / The Washington Post

Under the watchful eye of a TV camera, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) peers over the massive wooden desk before asking questions of Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Christine Todd Whitman. (May 2001)

Under the watchful eye of a TV camera, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) peers over the massive wooden desk before asking questions of Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Christine Todd Whitman. (May 2001)

Melina Mara / The Washington Post

Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) signs papers while being sandwiched between her twin sons, Reece and Bennett, at a Get Caught Reading event led by former Rep. Pat Schroeder (D-Colo.) on Capitol Hill. (May 2001)

Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) signs papers while being sandwiched between her twin sons, Reece and Bennett, at a Get Caught Reading event led by former Rep. Pat Schroeder (D-Colo.) on Capitol Hill. (May 2001)

Melina Mara / The Washington Post

Senior Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) listens along with her male colleagues to testimony on intelligence matters during Select Committee on Intelligence hearing in the Dirksen Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill. (February 2003)

Senior Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) listens along with her male colleagues to testimony on intelligence matters during Select Committee on Intelligence hearing in the Dirksen Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill. (February 2003)

Melina Mara / The Washington Post

Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) listens to testimony concerning the future of Iraq during a Committee on Foreign Relations hearing in the Dirksen Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill. (February 2003)

Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) listens to testimony concerning the future of Iraq during a Committee on Foreign Relations hearing in the Dirksen Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill. (February 2003)

Melina Mara / The Washington Post

Before coming to the Senate, Lisa Murkowski, a lawyer, served three terms in the Alaska House of Representatives. (March 2003)

Before coming to the Senate, Lisa Murkowski, a lawyer, served three terms in the Alaska House of Representatives. (March 2003)

Melina Mara / The Washington Post

After meeting with members of the Arkansas Chamber of Commerce, Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) acknowledges a friend at the close of the gathering at the Dirksen Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill. Lincoln comes from a seven-generation farm family. (May 2001)

After meeting with members of the Arkansas Chamber of Commerce, Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) acknowledges a friend at the close of the gathering at the Dirksen Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill. Lincoln comes from a seven-generation farm family. (May 2001)

Melina Mara / The Washington Post

Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) speaks to a fellow senator on the telephone as two of her staffers converse in the foreground. (February 2003)

Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) speaks to a fellow senator on the telephone as two of her staffers converse in the foreground. (February 2003)

Melina Mara / The Washington Post

Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) kids with reporters from Washington state during an informal on-the-record interview in her Capitol Hill office. During this meeting, Cantwell discussed energy issues and Washington state's economic climate. (January 2003)

Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) kids with reporters from Washington state during an informal on-the-record interview in her Capitol Hill office. During this meeting, Cantwell discussed energy issues and Washington state's economic climate. (January 2003)

Melina Mara / The Washington Post

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) is embraced by Sen. Patrick J. Leahy (D-Vt.), left, before an Amber Alert press conference outside the doors of the Senate Radio and TV Gallery in the Capitol. Sen. Orrin G. Hatch (R-Utah), is at right. (January 2003)

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) is embraced by Sen. Patrick J. Leahy (D-Vt.), left, before an Amber Alert press conference outside the doors of the Senate Radio and TV Gallery in the Capitol. Sen. Orrin G. Hatch (R-Utah), is at right. (January 2003)

Melina Mara / The Washington Post

Growing in prominence in her party, Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) was chosen in 2002 to head the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, raising a record $129 million. She was the first woman ever to hold that position. (March 2001)

Growing in prominence in her party, Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) was chosen in 2002 to head the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, raising a record $129 million. She was the first woman ever to hold that position. (March 2001)

1996-98 AccuSoft Inc., All rights reserved / The Washington Post

Arkansas' democratic freshman senator, Blanche Lincoln, gives thumbs up to Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) during a reception on Capitol Hill for a Public Broadcasting Services' program entitled 'To the Contrary.' (April 2001)

Arkansas' democratic freshman senator, Blanche Lincoln, gives thumbs up to Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) during a reception on Capitol Hill for a Public Broadcasting Services' program entitled "To the Contrary." (April 2001)

1996-98 AccuSoft Inc., All rights reserved / The Washington Post

On Sen. Debbie Stabenow's (D-Mich.) desk are pictures of her two children depicted during two of her early campaigns. (May 2001)

On Sen. Debbie Stabenow's (D-Mich.) desk are pictures of her two children depicted during two of her early campaigns. (May 2001)

Melina Mara / The Washington Post

Constituents from Missouri offer condolences to Sen. Jean Carnahan (D-Mo.), who lost her husband, Mel Carnahan, and son, Roger, in a plane crash.

Constituents from Missouri offer condolences to Sen. Jean Carnahan (D-Mo.), who lost her husband, Mel Carnahan, and son, Roger, in a plane crash.

Melina Mara / The Washington Post

Overeager supporters try to help newly elected Sen. Elizabeth Dole (R-N.C.) down from the stage during an evening celebration at the Chamber of Commerce Building that followed her swearing-in ceremony as a U.S. senator. (January 2003)

Overeager supporters try to help newly elected Sen. Elizabeth Dole (R-N.C.) down from the stage during an evening celebration at the Chamber of Commerce Building that followed her swearing-in ceremony as a U.S. senator. (January 2003)

Melina Mara / The Washington Post

In a small conference room, Sen. Jean Carnahan (D-Mo.) and former New Jersey Sen. Bill Bradley participate in a phone interview with a local radio station focused on health care during a campaign stop at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. (October 2002)

In a small conference room, Sen. Jean Carnahan (D-Mo.) and former New Jersey Sen. Bill Bradley participate in a phone interview with a local radio station focused on health care during a campaign stop at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. (October 2002)

Melina Mara / The Washington Post

Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) gazes at astrological designs on the ceiling of a committee room in the Russell Senate Office Building during a hearing of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee. (May 2001)

Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) gazes at astrological designs on the ceiling of a committee room in the Russell Senate Office Building during a hearing of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee. (May 2001)

Melina Mara / The Washington Post

Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) meets with her staff at her office on Capitol Hill moments before leaving to cast a vote on the Senate floor. (March 2001)

Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) meets with her staff at her office on Capitol Hill moments before leaving to cast a vote on the Senate floor. (March 2001)

Melina Mara / The Washington Post

First-term Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), a high-tech millionaire, worked as a marketing executive of Real Networks, a Seattle internet audio software company, before running for her Senate seat. (February 2003)

First-term Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), a high-tech millionaire, worked as a marketing executive of Real Networks, a Seattle internet audio software company, before running for her Senate seat. (February 2003)

Melina Mara / The Washington Post

Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Tex.) chairs the Aviation Subcommittee in the Russell Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill. Behind Hutchison are historic photographs of past chairmen in the 1800's. (April 2001)

Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Tex.) chairs the Aviation Subcommittee in the Russell Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill. Behind Hutchison are historic photographs of past chairmen in the 1800's. (April 2001)

Melina Mara / The Washington Post

Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.), center, greets friends and constituents. Landrieu held office in the Louisiana House from 1980 to 1988, was the state's treasurer from 1988 to 1996 and was a candidate for governor in 1995. (April 2001)

Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.), center, greets friends and constituents. Landrieu held office in the Louisiana House from 1980 to 1988, was the state's treasurer from 1988 to 1996 and was a candidate for governor in 1995. (April 2001)

Melina Mara / The Washington Post

On Capitol Hill, Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.) stands with fellow female senators, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.), center, and Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), left, during a press conference on the anniversary of the passing of the Roe vs. Wade. (January 2003)

On Capitol Hill, Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.) stands with fellow female senators, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.), center, and Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), left, during a press conference on the anniversary of the passing of the Roe vs. Wade. (January 2003)

Melina Mara / The Washington Post

During a meeting in her office, Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) reviews political policy letters composed by her staff. Cantwell's office sends letters to constituents who ask about her positions on issues ranging from environmental protection to budgetary matters. (March 2001)

During a meeting in her office, Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) reviews political policy letters composed by her staff. Cantwell's office sends letters to constituents who ask about her positions on issues ranging from environmental protection to budgetary matters. (March 2001)

Melina Mara / The Washington Post

Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) confers with Sen. Joseph Biden (D-Del.) before a Committee on Foreign Relations hearing where Secretary of State Colin Powell is about to address issues concerning Iraq, North Korea and the war on terrorism. (February 2003)

Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) confers with Sen. Joseph Biden (D-Del.) before a Committee on Foreign Relations hearing where Secretary of State Colin Powell is about to address issues concerning Iraq, North Korea and the war on terrorism. (February 2003)

Melina Mara / The Washington Post

After casting her vote concerning an amendment to the education bill, Sen. Blanche Lincoln, (D-Ark.) runs off the Senate floor to keep an appointment. (May 2001)

After casting her vote concerning an amendment to the education bill, Sen. Blanche Lincoln, (D-Ark.) runs off the Senate floor to keep an appointment. (May 2001)

Melina Mara / The Washington Post

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) meets on Capitol Hill with Sen. John Cornyn (R-Tex.) to discuss the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. (March 2003)

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) meets on Capitol Hill with Sen. John Cornyn (R-Tex.) to discuss the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. (March 2003)

Melina Mara / The Washington Post

Before beginning a conversation, Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) places his hand on the shoulder of Sen. Patty Murray, (D-Wash.) while waiting for the Women's Outreach meeting hosted by Sen. John F. Kerry (D-Mass.) to begin. (March 2001)

Before beginning a conversation, Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) places his hand on the shoulder of Sen. Patty Murray, (D-Wash.) while waiting for the Women's Outreach meeting hosted by Sen. John F. Kerry (D-Mass.) to begin. (March 2001)

Melina Mara / The Washington Post

Sen. Susan Collins, (R-Maine), speaks during a press conference on Capital Hill, taking a bipartisan stand with Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) in support of changes to President Bush's energy plan. (May 2001)

Sen. Susan Collins, (R-Maine), speaks during a press conference on Capital Hill, taking a bipartisan stand with Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) in support of changes to President Bush's energy plan. (May 2001)

Melina Mara / The Washington Post

With Sen. Olympia Snowe's, (R-Maine) election to the Senate in 1994, she became only the second woman senator in history to represent Maine, following the late Sen. Margaret Chase Smith, who served from 1949 - 1973. (March 2003)

With Sen. Olympia Snowe's, (R-Maine) election to the Senate in 1994, she became only the second woman senator in history to represent Maine, following the late Sen. Margaret Chase Smith, who served from 1949 - 1973. (March 2003)

Melina Mara / The Washington Post

Freshman Sen. Elizabeth Dole (R-N.C.) rides the Senate train with her husband, former Sen. Bob Dole, on their way to her swearing-in ceremony on the Senate floor in the Capitol. (January 2003)

Freshman Sen. Elizabeth Dole (R-N.C.) rides the Senate train with her husband, former Sen. Bob Dole, on their way to her swearing-in ceremony on the Senate floor in the Capitol. (January 2003)

Melina Mara / The Washington Post

Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Tex.), left, and Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.), rear center, speak to widows denied benefits under current law regarding benefits to widows of veterans who chose to remarry after the age of 55. (January 2003)

Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Tex.), left, and Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.), rear center, speak to widows denied benefits under current law regarding benefits to widows of veterans who chose to remarry after the age of 55. (January 2003)

Melina Mara / The Washington Post

After a long committee meeting, Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.) stops by the women's restroom in the Dirksen Senate Office Building. Landrieu serves on Appropriations, Energy and Natural Resources, and Small Business and Entrepreneurship committees. (April 2001)

After a long committee meeting, Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.) stops by the women's restroom in the Dirksen Senate Office Building. Landrieu serves on Appropriations, Energy and Natural Resources, and Small Business and Entrepreneurship committees. (April 2001)

Melina Mara / The Washington Post

At an evening reception for former Texas Sen. Lloyd Benson on Capitol Hill, freshman Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) has a private word. In the doorway stands one of the members of the Secret Service who accompany the former first lady. (May 2001)

At an evening reception for former Texas Sen. Lloyd Benson on Capitol Hill, freshman Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) has a private word. In the doorway stands one of the members of the Secret Service who accompany the former first lady. (May 2001)

Melina Mara / The Washington Post

Freshman Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash,), center, jokes with fellow Washington state Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) while riding the 'Senators Only' elevator on their way to a vote on campaign-finance reform. (April 2001)

Freshman Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash,), center, jokes with fellow Washington state Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) while riding the "Senators Only" elevator on their way to a vote on campaign-finance reform. (April 2001)

Melina Mara / The Washington Post

Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Tex.) looks over papers just moments before a joint press conference with Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.). (January 2003)

Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Tex.) looks over papers just moments before a joint press conference with Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.). (January 2003)

Melina Mara / The Washington Post

Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) stands on a footstool, dubbed the 'Boxer Box,' to boost her height as she speaks to Californians visiting the Capitol. (February 2003)

Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) stands on a footstool, dubbed the "Boxer Box," to boost her height as she speaks to Californians visiting the Capitol. (February 2003)

Melina Mara / The Washington Post

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