Final answer:
True, the seniority rule traditionally allows majority party members with longer service records to become committee chairpersons, although there are term limits for such positions in the House and Senate.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, under the seniority rule, majority party members with the longest service records are generally favored for committee chairperson positions. These chairs have substantial power over their committees, influencing when meetings are held and which bills are considered. While it's customary for senators with longer tenures and state population size to have seniority and thereby access to committee chair positions, there are additional rules in place.
In the House, for example, there are term limits on how long a representative can serve as a committee chair, which is currently set to a maximum of six consecutive years, and a senator may also serve only six years as chair of a committee. Furthermore, the majority party plays a significant role in setting legislative agendas and determining committee compositions, which skews in favor of the party with the most seats.