We Really Need to Fix Presidential Succession—Like Now
On Jan. 3, the formal leadership of the Senate is poised to pass to one of two 89-year olds: Republican Chuck Grassley of Iowa or Democrat Dianne Feinstein of California—who are in line to become president pro tempore of the Senate depending on which party holds the majority.
The job of president pro tempore of the Senate doesn’t usually get much attention. It is, in effect, a ceremonial role which by tradition is given to the longest-serving senator in the majority party. Constitutionally, the job is to preside in the absence of the vice president, who is the regular president of the Senate. In practice, neither vice presidents nor presidents pro tempore actually spend much time presiding, a tedious task delegated to junior members. And practical political power is wielded by the Senate majority leader, who actually sets the agenda and runs the chamber.
But there’s a problem lurking in this little-known position, one which is now being highlighted by the advanced ages of both Feinstein and Grassley. The former has even suggested she might decline the position as rumors swirl about her declining mental acuity.