In recent years, the conference chair has come to be regarded as the third-ranking Republican in the Senate, behind the floor leader and whip.

Mr. Santorum is the third-ranking Republican in the Senate leadership.

"We are not changing this bill, period," said Senator Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania, the third-ranking Republican in the Senate.

Representative Tom DeLay of Texas, the third-ranking Republican in the House agreed.

Had he been on the Senate committee, said Mr. Cheney, the third-ranking Republican in the House leadership, he would have voted against publication.

From 2001 until 2007, he was the Senate's third-ranking Republican.

During 1968 and 1969, while Anderson was the third-ranking Republican in Congress, Henry's job involved promoting good communication within the party caucus.

As whip, Mr. DeLay is the chamber's third-ranking Republican.

As his party's conference chairman, Mr. Kyl is the third-ranking Republican in the Senate and a fervent spokesman for conservative principles.

Except for Representative Tom DeLay of Texas, who as majority whip is the third-ranking Republican, the firebrands on each side did not speak.