Federal
What the U.S. Senate actually does
Two senators per state vote on federal law and spending, confirm judges and Cabinet officers, and ratify treaties. They share power with the House and the President.
Sep 10, 2026 · 7 min read · WhyIVote civic explainer
The office
Each state elects two U.S. senators, regardless of population. Terms last six years, staggered so about one-third of the Senate is on the ballot every two years.
The Senate is the upper chamber. It must pass the same bill text as the House for most legislation. It also holds powers the House does not: confirming many presidential nominees and ratifying treaties.
What they can change
Senate votes and procedures shape:
- Federal law, in tandem with the House.
- Who sits on the federal bench, including the Supreme Court, and who runs Cabinet departments — by confirmation.
- Treaties with other countries, which require a two-thirds Senate vote.
- Oversight: investigations, holds, and the power to try impeachments after the House impeaches.
Money they vote on
Senators vote on the same federal budget and appropriations process as the House. The Senate Appropriations Committee writes companion bills. Differences are negotiated in conference.
A senator cannot quietly move a line item without other votes. Earmarks and committee reports influence where money lands, but the statute and the signed bill still control.
Who they can help — and who they cannot
Senate offices also run federal casework: VA, Social Security, federal agencies. Because they represent a whole state, the queue is statewide, not a single House district.
They cannot pass state budgets, run county hospitals, or set municipal zoning. Confirmation power does not mean a senator personally manages the FBI or the Pentagon day to day.
Where this power lives
Washington, D.C., plus state offices. Nominations and treaties appear on Senate.gov and Congress.gov. Confirm election rules with your state’s chief election official.
