President pro tempore of the United States Senate
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.