The answer is the majority party.
Standing committees play a crucial role in the legislative process as they review, amend, and decide whether a bill should proceed to the full Senate for consideration. However, their power is limited to the initial stages of the legislative process, and they do not have the final say on whether a bill is passed.
The majority party in the Senate holds significant power over the legislative process, including the passage of bills. They control the Senate's agenda, decide which bills are brought to the floor for a vote, and often have the numbers to influence the outcome of the vote. The majority leader, a member of the majority party, plays a key role in this process.
While the minority party can influence legislation through debate, amendments, and sometimes filibustering, they generally do not have the same level of control over the passage of bills as the majority party. Their power is more about negotiation and opposition rather than direct control.
The president pro tempore is a largely ceremonial position in the Senate, traditionally held by the longest-serving member of the majority party. While they may preside over Senate sessions in the absence of the Vice President, they do not have significant power over the legislative process or the passage of bills.
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