Currently (December 2009) the United States Senate is composed of 58 Democrats, 40 Republicans, and two Independents (Joe Lieberman and Bernie Sanders). Both of the Independent senators, for all practical purposes, are Democrats.
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The Vice President of the US is the Senate President, however, he can appoint or delegate any of the senators to officiate on his absence which is called the President's Pro Tempore. The 113th Congress Presidents Pro Tempore as Jan 3, 2013 is Patrick J. Leahy.
6 years - Senate 2 years- House of Representatives
The US Senate has 16 standing committees
When one party in the US Senate filibusters a bill, it takes 60 votes to end the debate. Long, sometimes irrelevant speeches are a common feature during filibusters.
president pro tempore