What is the role of the Speaker of the House of Representatives?

The role of the Speaker of the House of Representatives is primarily to lead the House of Representatives. This position is key in guiding legislative discussions, managing the session's schedule, and ensuring that the rules of the House are followed. The Speaker also represents the House in its functions and maintains order during debates.

In addition to leading and organizing legislative business, the Speaker plays a significant role in influencing the legislative agenda and priorities. This includes deciding which legislation comes to the floor for a vote and often acting as a spokesperson for the House as a whole, representing its interests to the public and other branches of government.

Other options do not align with the specific duties of the Speaker. For instance, presiding over the Senate is the responsibility of the Vice President, while representing the President is generally done by the President's Cabinet and other officials. Managing the federal budget is a collaborative effort involving multiple parties, including the President, the Treasury Department, and both houses of Congress, not a singular role of the Speaker.