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The president pro tempore is the second-highest-ranking official in the US Senate, typically held by the senior senator of the majority party. The position is ceremonial with limited powers, but carries great honor and puts the senator third in the presidential line of succession. The official has the power to preside over the Senate when the vice president is unavailable and is entitled to a larger staff. The position is usually given to the most senior member of the majority party and is accompanied by ceremonial functions and additional responsibilities. Former presidents and vice presidents are considered pro tempore vice presidents as a courtesy, but it is unusual for them to serve in the Senate.
The president pro tempore of the Senate is the second-highest-ranking official in the United States Senate, after the vice president, who is the ex-officio president of the Senate. Typically, the person who holds this position is the senior senator of the majority party and, consequently, the highest-ranking member of the Senate. This position is primarily ceremonial and carries many responsibilities and rather limited powers. However, it is considered a great honor to fill this role, not least because it puts a Senator third in the presidential line of succession.
This position was first outlined in 1789 in the Constitution. When the vice president is unavailable to preside over the Senate, the president pro tempore has the power to preside, regulate proceedings, and deliberate procedural matters. It is not uncommon for this person to allow a junior senator to preside, giving the less experienced legislator a chance to learn more about how the Senate works. The official is entitled to a slightly larger staff than other senators, due to the greater responsibility associated with the position.
The Senate officially elects one member to this job, though by convention, the position is given to the most senior member of the majority party, and the election is typically unanimous. In the event that the majority of the party changes and the senator remains in office, he becomes president emeritus pro tempore. This is a sign of respect when the position is taken by the most senior member of the new majority party.
It is also possible to see an incumbent president pro tempore, an official who is appointed to take over when the person holding the office is incapacitated or disabled. The sitting presidents are not in line for the office of the president and will be transferred in the event of a situation where the president and vice president are incapacitated. As a courtesy, former presidents and vice presidents are considered pro tempore vice presidents, although it is highly unusual for these officials to serve in the Senate after their terms have expired.
A number of ceremonial functions accompany this position and the official is usually expected to preside over major Senator proceedings. Because of his senior rank, he usually also has a variety of commission duties and other responsibilities. In recognition of the additional work that accompanies the job, he is rewarded more than other senators.
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