The President pro tempore of the United States Senate is the senator elected by the Senate to preside in the vice president’s absence. By tradition, the office is held by a senior member of the majority party and is third in the Presidential line of succession after the vice president and the Speaker of the House.
Role
- Presides over the Senate when the vice president is absent; often delegates daily presiding to junior senators.
- Signs enrolled bills and warrants and performs ceremonial duties.
Selection and tenure
- Elected by the Senate; typically serves at the pleasure of the majority.
- May be succeeded by a deputy or acting officer by Senate resolution.