The President Pro Tempore is a high-ranking official in the United States Senate who presides over the chamber in the absence of the Vice President. This position is typically held by the longest-serving member of the majority party and is largely ceremonial, although the President Pro Tempore can perform various duties, such as signing legislation and overseeing Senate sessions. In addition to presiding over the Senate, the President Pro Tempore is third in the line of presidential succession, following the Vice President and the Speaker of the House. This role reflects the importance of the Senate in the legislative process and ensures continuity in leadership.