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SRES 5 · 119th CongressAdopted
A resolution notifying the House of Representatives of the election of a President pro tempore.
Latest updateJan 3, 2025
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
Congress
Sponsor
John Thune
Introduced
January 3, 2025
Latest action
January 6, 2025
Legislative Progress
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Latest Action
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Plain-Language Summary
AI GeneratedThe Constitution designates the Vice President as President of the Senate, but when the Vice President is absent or unable to preside, the Senate elects a President pro tempore to lead chamber proceedings. This officer presides over floor debates, recognizes senators to speak, rules on parliamentary questions, and maintains order. The position is largely ceremonial but carries symbolic weight as third in the presidential line of succession. Senate rules require the chamber to elect a President pro tempore at the start of each new Congress, typically from the majority party.
This resolution notifies the House of Representatives that the Senate has elected Charles E. Grassley as President pro tempore for the 119th Congress. The Senate passed this resolution on January 3, 2025, formalizing Grassley's election to the position. The notification serves as official communication between chambers and establishes Grassley's authority to preside over Senate sessions and perform the constitutional duties associated with the office.
The resolution takes effect immediately upon passage and remains in force for the duration of the 119th Congress, which runs through January 2027. No funding is required, as the President pro tempore receives no additional compensation beyond regular Senate salary. The election does not affect existing Senate operations or procedures; it simply designates who will occupy the presiding officer's chair during regular sessions and establishes the line of succession should the Vice President and President become unable to serve.
Key Provisions
- 1Notifies the House of Representatives that the Senate has elected Charles E. Grassley as President of the Senate pro tempore for the 119th Congress.
- 2Establishes Grassley's authority to preside over Senate floor proceedings, recognize members to speak, and rule on parliamentary matters during the 119th Congress.
★ Why this matters
The President pro tempore presides over the Senate when the Vice President is absent and stands third in the presidential line of succession. This formal notification ensures both chambers are aligned on who holds this constitutional position. The election establishes clear parliamentary authority and clarifies the succession chain for the executive branch.
● Who this affects
Charles E. Grassley, who assumes the ceremonial and constitutional duties of President pro tempore; the Senate membership, who will be presided over by Grassley during floor sessions; the House of Representatives, which receives official notification of the Senate's action; and the presidential line of succession, which now formally includes Grassley as third in command after the President and Vice President.
Bill Text
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<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. RES. 5
Notifying the House of Representatives of the election of a President
pro tempore.
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
January 3, 2025
Mr. Thune submitted the following resolution; which was considered and
agreed to
RESOLUTION
Notifying the House of Representatives of the election of a President
pro tempore.
Resolved, That the House of Representatives be notified of the
election of the Honorable Charles E. Grassley as President of the
Senate pro tempore.
<all>