The President pro tempore of the Senate is a high-ranking official in the United States Senate. This position is typically held by the longest-serving member of the majority party. The President pro tempore presides over the Senate in the absence of the Vice President of the United States and is responsible for maintaining order during sessions. In addition to presiding over Senate sessions, the President pro tempore also has the authority to appoint other Senate officials and is third in the presidential line of succession, following the Vice President and the Speaker of the House.