The Senate Qualification Rules Leadership Procedures Qualifications Incumbent

The Senate Qualification, Rules, Leadership & Procedures

Qualifications • • • Incumbent: members who are already in office 30 years old Citizens of the U. S. for 9 yrs before election Legal residents of the state they represent Elected at-large or statewide 6 year terms – 1/3 of the Senate elected every 2 years

Rules & Leadership • Fewer rules and they are more flexible – Debate for weeks or months before taking action • Leadership: – Senate has no Speaker • Vice President: presides over the Senate – Does not vote except in a tie – Cannot take part in debate – Influence: allowed personal contact with Senators • President pro tempore: “for the time being” – Elected, from the majority party and usually senior member Patrick Leahy

Majority & Minority Floor Leaders • Most important officers in the Senate • Elected by their political parties – “party officials” • Majority Leader Harry Reid – Steers bill through the Senate – Plans work schedule & agenda • Minority Leader – Develops criticism of majority’s bills – Keeps minority party working together Mitch Mc. Connell

Scheduling Bills • Any member may introduce a Bill • Senate leader controls how the bills move through committees, debate and vote • 2 Calendars: – The Calendar of General Orders: lists all bills for consideration – Executive Calendar: schedules treaties and nominations • Unanimous consent to bring the bill to the floor • A motion by all members to set aside formal rules and consider a bill from the calendar

Filibuster • Stalling the legislative process and prevent vote – ‘tactic” that includes talking continuously • 3/5 of Senate (60 Members) can vote for Cloture: Can stop the filibuster – Procedure that allows a Senator to speak only 1 hour on a bill under debate