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Senate Republicans Elect Leadership Team for New
Session
HARRISBURG -- Senate Republicans today
elected their leaders for the 2005-2006 legislative session.
Senator Robert C. Jubelirer (R-30) has been
nominated to serve as President Pro Tempore, a position he first was elected to
in December of 1984. The full Senate will vote on Jubelirer’s nomination when
it reconvenes in January. Last December, Jubelirer became the longest-serving
president pro tempore in the history of the Senate. As President Pro Tempore,
he is responsible for appointing the chairpersons and members of the standing
committees of the Senate. He presides over the Senate when the Lieutenant
Governor is unavailable to do so, and plays a significant role in negotiations
with the Administration and House of Representatives.
Senator David J. Brightbill (R-48) will serve
his third term as Senate Majority Leader. His primary duties include setting
the Senate agenda, developing policies and strategies for the Senate Republican
Caucus and serving as a key figure in floor debates. He will also play a major
role in negotiating issues with the Administration and House of Representatives
and leading action on the Senate floor.
Senator Jeff Piccola (R-15) was elected
Majority Whip. His duties include acting as assistant floor leader, working to
gain support for legislation and assuring that Republican policies and
strategies are promoted through the cooperative efforts of the majority caucus.
Senator Noah W. Wenger (R-36) will serve as
Majority Caucus Chairman for the 2005-2006 session. As chairman, Wenger
presides over Republican Caucus meetings to discuss bills and amendments and to
develop caucus strategy. Wenger was first elected caucus administrator in 1988.
As the Senate Majority Caucus Secretary, Senator
Bob Robbins (R-50) will deal with all executive nominations submitted to the
Senate for approval. He will coordinate the review of the background and
experience of nominees and ensure that proper documentation is submitted.
Leading the Senate Appropriations Committee, one of
the most powerful of the standing committees, will be Senator Robert Thompson
(R-19). Thompson was elected chairman of the panel in September of 2001.
Any bill that involves the spending of state money must be reviewed by the
Senate.
Senator Mary Jo White (R- 21), the Majority
Caucus Administrator, is responsible for scheduling activities before the caucus
and working with Senate leaders to set the agenda and advance Republican
policy.
Senator Joe Conti (R-10) will continue to
serve as Chairman of the Senate Policy Committee. The committee develops
long-range policy options for the Senate Republican Caucus.
Senate Republicans currently have a 29-21 majority
in the state Senate. Two new Republican senators will take office in January.
They are Senator-elect Pat Vance (R-31) and Senator-elect Bob Regola
(R-39).
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