Committee Vacancies (8):
Jim McCrery - Retired
Jerry Weller (R-Ill.) - Retired
Jim Ramstad (R-Minn.) - Retired
Kenny Hulshof (R-Mo.) - Unsuccessful run for governor
Ron Lewis (R-Ky.) - Retired
Tom Reynolds (R-N.Y.) - Retired
Jon Porter - Lost re-election bid
Michael McNulty (D-N.Y.) - retired

Senate Environment and Public Works Committee
With the Democrats enriching their control of the Senate, the chamber's committee leadership assignments are likely to remain in place. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) will retain her chairmanship of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, which has jurisdiction over the federal highway program. Senator James Inhofe (R-Okla.) is expected to serve as the panel's ranking Republican. On the EPW Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee, Senator Max Baucus (D-Mont.) is likely to maintain the chairman role. It is unclear if Senator Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) will retain his post as the top Republican on this subcommittee as Senator George Voinovich (R-Ohio) has also expressed an interest in the slot.

Committee Vacancies (2):
John Warner (R-Va.) - Retired
Larry Craig (R-Idaho) - Retired

Senate Appropriations Committee
While there have been reports that some Democrats want Senator Robert Byrd (D-W.V.) to step aside as chairman of the ever powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, he has been clear that he plans to retain his position. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) is likely to continue as the panel's top Republican. Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.) is expected to go on as chairman of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, and Senator Kit Bond (R-Mo.) will likely remain the subcommittee's ranking Republican.

Committee Vacancies (3):
Larry Craig - Retired
Wayne Allard (R-Colo.) - Retired
Pete Domenici (R-N.M.) - Retired
**The election race of Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) has not been decided as of 5:00 PM EST on November 5th.

Senate Finance Committee
Senator Baucus is expected to maintain the chairmanship of the powerful Senate Finance Committee, which controls all federal tax issues. Senator Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) looks to also continue in his role as the panel's lead Republican.

Committee Vacancies (1):
John Sununu (R-N.H.) - Lost re-election bid
**The election race of Senator Gordon Smith (R-Ore.) has not been decided as of 5:00 PM EST on November 5th.