Skip to content
PILLARS
HomeRecent BillsActionsMore
ExploreElectionsPresidential ActionsPoliticiansTrending Bills
WatchlistSettingsProfile
HomeRecent BillsActionsMore
PILLARS

The bills, politicians, and elections that shape your life, in plain English.

Get the App
Our Receipts
Sources & MethodologyApp DetailsSend Feedback
The Legal Stuff
Privacy PolicyTerms of ServiceContact Us
Find Us On
© 2026 Political Pillars Inc.Simplifying politics
Bernie Sanders
Politicians/Bernie Sanders
Bernie Sanders (I)
Senator (VT)
Role Summary

Members of the Senate are responsible for introducing and voting on federal legislation, representing their state, and providing a check on executive power. Key powers include confirming presidential appointments, ratifying treaties, serving on committees, shaping the federal budget, and conducting impeachment trials. Each senator serves a six-year term and represents their entire state.

Quick Facts
Party
Independent
Age
84
Religion
Jewish
Birthplace
Brooklyn, NY
Residence
Burlington, VT
Born
September 8, 1941
Family
Wife: Jane; 4 Children: Levi, Heather, Carina, David
Contact
202-224-5141Contact Formberniesanders.com
Election Info
DistrictSenior Seat, VT
Current Term01/03/2007 — Present
First Elected11/07/2006
Last Elected11/05/2024
Next Senator Election2026
Education
Attended
Brooklyn College
1959-1960
BA, Political Science
University of Chicago
1964
Political Career4
Senator
United States Senate, Vermont
2007-present
Mayor
City of Burlington
1981-1989
Chair of Outreach
Democratic Leadership, United States Senate
2017-present
Representative
United States House of Representatives, Vermont
1990-2006
Professional Background5
Lecturer
Hamilton College
1989-1990
Director
American People's Historical Society
1976-1981
Lecturer
John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University
1989
Former Employee
Bread and Law Task Force
Former Researcher
Vermont Department of Taxes
Organizations5
Friends of Ireland
Member
National Guard and Reserve Components Organization
Member
Northeast-Midwest Coalition
Member
Vermont Liberty Union Party
Chair
1971-1976
Coalition on Population and Development
Member
Committees11
Committee on Environment and Public Works
Committee on Finance
Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions
Committee on the Budget
Subcommittee on Chemical Safety, Waste Management, Environmental Justice, and Regulatory Oversight
Subcommittee on Clean Air, Climate, and Nuclear Safety
Subcommittee on Fisheries, Water, and Wildlife
Subcommittee on Health Care
Subcommittee on Social Security, Pensions, and Family Policy
Subcommittee on Taxation and IRS Oversight
Veterans' Affairs and The Military

Recent Bills & Votes

S 5271A bill to amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to require voters to provide photo identificationVoted NoHR 6500African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Extension ActVoted NoHR 5334Supporting Early-childhood Educators' Deductions (SEED) Act of 2025Voted NoS J Res 187A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Modification to the Start of the Submission Period for Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Reporting and Recordkeeping Under TSCA 8(a)(7)"Voted YesS J Res 181A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by CongressVoted Yes
Quick Facts
Party
Independent
Age
84
Religion
Jewish
Birthplace
Brooklyn, NY
Residence
Burlington, VT
Born
September 8, 1941
Family
Wife: Jane; 4 Children: Levi, Heather, Carina, David
Contact
202-224-5141Contact Formberniesanders.com