During the 113th session, for the first time in the history of the Senate women will compose 20 percent of its Members. 1992 was named 'year of the woman' as 6 female Senators were elected. 2012 saw 11 women elected, 6 senators being re-elected and 5 newcomers.

Learn more about the women in the US Senate, where they are from, which party they represent with the following infographic created by NerdWallet.

South Carolina Senator Jim Demint's departure from public office to head up The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, further signifies a reconstruction period for the Republican brand at large. Governor Nikki Haley, the state's first female governor, appointed representative Tim Scott to fill the empty seat.

Many words have been used to describe the 112th Congress. It has been called ‘lackluster,’ ‘unproductive,’ and even the ‘worst Congress ever.’ The legacy the 112th leaves is that of polarized division. It was a Congress that put partisan politics before solving the nation’s biggest problems.

Many words have been used to describe the 112th Congress. It has been called ‘lackluster,’ ‘unproductive,’ and even the ‘worst Congress ever.’ The legacy the 112th leaves is that of polarized division. It was a Congress that put partisan politics before solving the nation’s biggest problems.

Habeas corpus: Gone. FISA courts: here to stay. NDAA: still truckin’. Patriot Act: renewed. Let’s not forget to take your belt off at the airport either.

We talk about the economic cost of perpetual war, but what about the threat to our freedoms? In 2000, George W. Bush ran on a humble foreign policy. He argued we should not be the policeman of the world and that our liberties here at home were more important than nation building abroad. Then 9/11 happened and everyone forgot.