Congressional Staff and Support Services Background and Responsibilities

Article I, Section 3, clause 5 of the U.S. Constitution authorises 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. This book provides an overview of Senate administrative officers and officials, their authorities, and main responsibilities.