Who presides over the Senate when the Vice President is absent?

The correct answer is the President pro tempore. This individual is a senior member of the majority party in the Senate and is designated to preside over the Senate in the absence of the Vice President. The role of President pro tempore is largely ceremonial, and this position is typically filled by the longest-serving member of the majority party. When the Vice President, who normally serves as the President of the Senate, is not present, the President pro tempore steps in to maintain order and oversee proceedings. This ensures that the Senate can continue to function smoothly even when the Vice President is unavailable.

The other roles listed, such as the Senate Majority Leader and Senate Minority Leader, have important leadership functions but do not have the official capacity to preside over the Senate. The House Speaker is a leader in the House of Representatives, not the Senate, so they are not involved in this context. This reinforces why the President pro tempore is specifically designated for presiding duties in the Vice President's absence.