Congress House Speaker and President of the Senate?

Question

I thought Nancy Polloci was the House Speaker and that Vice President Dick Chaney was the President of the Senate. When I watch C-Span, I see members of the House such as Mr. Obama and others, as well as others presiding as the President of the Senate. Mr. Chaney said he was not a part of the executive branch because he was the President of the Senate. I have never seen him there.

Why are these people taking the place of the people we think are in control of both the House and the Senate?

Why are other people in their chairs during both the House of Representatives and the Senate?

Answer 1

Actually, ther person above me is wrong. In the Senate, the President Pro Tempore decides who gets to preside when Cheney is not there.

As you know, Democrats have majority so that means President Pro Tempore chooses who presides. Usually, they let Freshman (first termers) preside so they can learn the rules better.

In the House, the majority party (Democrats) also choose who presides. In the House, the Speaker usually chooses more experienced people because House rules need to be followed strictly. It is also based on honor.

Answer 2

It has been the practice for a LONG time that Speakers allow other members of the House to preside during debate and during voting. It is allowed at the Speaker's discretion. Same thing in the Senate. Each Veep can allow another Senator to take the presiding chair at the Veep's discretion. Presiding over each chamber does not have to be a full-time job.