November 13, 2002
Wednesday - 6:00 pm

Washington, D. C. - At a meeting today of the Senate Republican Conference, Senator Ted Stevens was nominated by the Republican Leader, Senator Trent Lott, to be President Pro Tempore of the U.S. Senate when the Senate convenes for the 108th Congress in January. Senator Stevens was then unanimously elected President Pro Tempore by the members of the Senate Republican Conference.

The President Pro Tempore is traditionally the most senior member of the majority party in the Senate. Senator Stevens becomes the longest serving Republican in the Senate upon Senator Strom Thurmond's retirement at the end of the 107th Congress. Senator Stevens will replace the current President Pro Tem, Senator Robert Byrd, the longest serving Democrat in the Senate, when the Republicans become the majority in the Senate.

The U.S. Constitution provides for a President Pro Tempore to preside over the Senate in the absence of the Vice President. The President Pro Tempore is also the third person in line of succession for the Presidency, following the Vice President and the Speaker of the House.

In addition, the President Pro Tempore serves as a member of his party's leadership team.

"I'm honored to join this leadership team and follow Strom Thurmond, who has been our senior Republican now for 21 years. As Chairman of the Appropriations Committee and President Pro Tem, I am committed to working with our Majority Leader to fulfill the obligations he has undertaken. I am delighted to be a part of this leadership team and to serve as President Pro Tem," said Stevens.

Source of News Release:

Office of Senator Ted Stevens
Web Site

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