The Senate Officers and Staff
Senate employees ensure that the business of the Senate runs smoothly. Staff
members include not only Senators' personal and committee staff, but also the officers
of the Senate who are responsible for keeping and managing records, maintaining
computer systems, and a myriad of other important tasks.
President of the Senate
According to Article 1, section 3 of the U.S. Constitution, "The Vice President
of the United States shall be President of the Senate but shall have no Vote, unless
they be equally divided." Other than being prepared to succeed to the presidency
if needed, the vice president's only constitutional role in government is to preside
over the Senate. Although vice presidents regularly presided in the Senate
during the 19th century and through much of the early 20th century, today vice presidents
preside only on ceremonial occasions and when their vote is needed to break a tie.
President Pro Tempore of the Senate
The Constitution provides for a president pro tempore to preside over the Senate
in the absence of the vice president. By tradition, this position goes to
the senior member of the majority party. Since 1890, the president pro tem
has held office continuously until the election of another. The president
pro tem is third in the line of presidential succession, behind the vice president
and the Speaker of the House.
Secretary of the Senate
As an elected officer of the Senate, the Secretary of the Senate supervises an extensive
array of offices and services to expedite the day-to-day operations of the United
States Senate.
Sergeant at Arms
The Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper, elected by Senators, serves as the protocol
and chief law enforcement officer and is the principal administrative manager for
most support services in the Senate.
Office of the Senate Legislative Counsel
The Office of the Senate Legislative Counsel provides confidential, nonpartisan
legislative drafting services for Senators and committees. Bill drafting services
are available, on request, with priority given to legislation with impending action.
The Legislative Counsel, appointed by the president pro tempore, is responsible
for the management and administration of the office.
Office of the Senate Chaplain
The Senate elected its first chaplain on April 25, 1789, continuing a tradition
established by the Continental Congress. In addition to opening each day's
session with a prayer, the chaplain provides spiritual care and counseling for Senators,
their families, and their staffs.
Party Secretaries
Both major parties elect a party secretary--a secretary for the majority and a secretary
for the minority. Seated on either side of the Senate chamber, the party secretaries
keep Senators updated on floor and legislative activities, and see that Republican
and Democratic cloakrooms are staffed and pages are at their posts.
