The new freshmen, the 103rd Congress, and national defense

The entry of 124 new members into the 103rd United States Congress is the most since the 1948 election, and is reflective of the powerful undercurrents in the political life of our country. Previous changes in the composition of the Congress have led to changes in our national policy. Although this new change in the dynamic of the Congress is less pronounced and more subtle than the 1964 and the 1974 elections that brought similar change and altered the ideology and partisan balance. This election brings changes in the racial and gender composition and may change the tone of the institution. These new members reflect the national concern with domestic issues and less thought to national security.