president pro tempore

American  

Or president pro tem

noun

U.S. Government.

1. a senator, usually a senior member of the majority party, who is chosen to preside over the Senate in the absence of the vice president.

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Example Sentences

Mr. Johnson was relying on the Presidential Succession Act of 1947, which places Mr. Grassley, 92 and the Senate’s president pro tempore, third in line to the presidency.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 4, 2026

The president pro tempore of the Senate, Chuck Grassley of Iowa, is 91, and third in line for succession to the presidency.

From Salon • Aug. 9, 2025

In 2023, she said she would not serve as the Senate president pro tempore, or the most senior member of the majority party, even though she was in line to do so.

From Washington Times • Sep. 29, 2023

He stepped down as president pro tempore, the council’s No. 2 leadership position, and from all of his committee assignments.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 13, 2023

Corbin, as president pro tempore of the senate, and of F.J.

From A Compilation of the Messages and Papers of the Presidents Volume 6, part 2: Andrew Johnson by Richardson, James D. (James Daniel)