The U.S. Senate is the upper chamber of the Congress, representing large and small states equally with two senators per state. Working with the House of Representatives, senators introduce and pass laws, which the president may sign or veto. Senators also approve presidential appointments, including federal court nominees. Similar to the other chamber, senators serving on committees can conduct hearings and investigations on matters they deem important. Senators are elected for six-year terms in even-numbered years, with one third of the Senate’s 100 seats up for election at a time. The office is elected statewide, and there are no term limits. U.S. Senators are paid $174,000/year.
