What does a united states senator do?

What this office controls

• Votes on all federal legislation, which must pass both chambers of Congress.
• Confirms or rejects federal judges, including Supreme Court justices, along with Cabinet secretaries and ambassadors.
• Ratifies treaties with a two-thirds vote.
• Sits as the trial body in an impeachment, after the House brings charges.
• Conducts oversight hearings and can subpoena testimony from federal agencies.

What it can’t do

Just as important, and the source of most misplaced expectations about the job:

• Cannot pass a law alone — the House must agree and the President must sign, or Congress must override a veto.
• Has no authority over state law, state courts, or local ordinances.
• Cannot directly set your state's tax rates or school policy.

Why this race matters

Senators are the smallest body with a veto over federal law: with 100 members, a single vote can decide whether legislation, a judicial nomination, or a federal budget moves forward. Because terms run six years, this vote binds you for longer than almost any other on your ballot.

What to look for in a candidate

• Voting record, if the candidate has held prior legislative office.
• Committee priorities they say they would pursue.
• Positions on federal spending, taxation, and health care.
• Approach to judicial confirmations.
• Constituent-service record and in-state presence.