The person officially in charge of the U.S. Senate is the Vice President of the United States, who serves as the President of the Senate and presides over its sessions. However, the Vice President only votes in the Senate to break ties

. In the Vice President's absence, the President pro tempore, traditionally the most senior member of the majority party, presides over the Senate. Yet, in practice, the day-to-day presiding duties are often delegated to junior senators of the majority party

. The real power in managing and leading the Senate lies with the Majority Leader, who is the chief representative and manager of the Senate's legislative and executive business. The Majority Leader schedules the Senate's business, controls the flow of legislation, and is considered the most powerful member of the Senate. The Majority Leader is elected by the senators of the majority party

. Currently, the Majority Leader is Senator John Thune (R-South Dakota), and the Minority Leader is Senator Chuck Schumer (D-New York)

Summary:

• Official Presiding Officer: Vice President of the U.S. (President of the Senate)
• Presiding in VP's Absence: President pro tempore (senior majority senator)
• Practical Leader of the Senate: Majority Leader (currently John Thune), who manages the Senate's legislative agenda and business