United States Senate

The United States Senate is one of the two houses of the Congress of the United States, the other being the House of Representatives. In the Senate, two members, regardless of population, equally represent each state. As a result, the total membership of the body is 100. Senators serve for six-year terms, which are staggered so that elections are held in approximately one-third of the seats every second year. The Vice President of the United States is the presiding officer of the Senate but is not a senator and does not vote except to break ties. The Senate has several exclusive powers enumerated in the Constitution not granted to the House; most significantly, the President must ratify treaties and make important appointments “with the Advice and Consent of the Senate.” Online, you can find and contact your United States Senator.