Senate Names Grassley President Pro Tempore

Summary#

• This is a simple Senate resolution to tell the President that Senator Charles E. Grassley was chosen as President pro tempore of the Senate.

• It is a routine step at the start of a new Congress. It does not change any laws or create new programs.

• Names Senator Charles E. Grassley as President pro tempore.

• Directs that the President of the United States be officially notified.

• Helps keep the line of presidential succession up to date.

• Has no direct effect on the public and makes no policy changes.

What it means for you#

• Most people will not see any direct change.
• For government continuity:
  • The President pro tempore presides over the Senate when the Vice President is not there.
  • This role is in the presidential line of succession, after the Vice President and the Speaker of the House.
  • Notifying the President keeps official records current.

Expenses#

Estimated annual cost: minimal, limited to routine administrative work.

• No new programs, staff, or funding.
• Only small clerical or communication costs to issue the notice.

Proponents' View#

• It is a standard housekeeping step that keeps government records accurate.
• Confirms who leads Senate proceedings when the Vice President is absent.
• Clarifies the line of succession, which supports continuity in an emergency.
• Allows the Senate to organize and start work smoothly.

Opponents' View#

• There is typically no organized opposition to this kind of routine notice.
• Some may view it as ceremonial paperwork with little impact on daily life.
• Others may prefer a different way of choosing the President pro tempore, but that debate is about Senate rules, not this notification.