Senate Administrative Officers and Officials

Publication Date: April 2003

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Government

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Abstract:

Article I, Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution authorizes the Senate to choose its officers, but does not specifically identify them by title. The officers currently elected by the Senate are the President Pro Tempore, Secretary of the Senate, Sergeant at Arms, Chaplain, Secretary for the Majority, and Secretary for the Minority. The Senate has also established appointive offices to handle certain other administrative functions that are under the direction of the Legal Counsel, Legislative Counsel, and Parliamentarian. In addition, the Architect of the Capitol, an officer of Congress, is appointed by the President, subject to Senate confirmation. (This report does not include the President Pro Tempore, who is a member of the Senate.) For more information on legislative process, see [http://www.crs.gov/products/guides/guidehome.shtml ].