McConnell and Schumer move closer to power-sharing deal in equally divided Senate



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Negotiations between Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and Republican Leader Mitch McConnell were largely built around the functioning of the Senate the last time the body was split 50-50: when George W. Bush first became president in 2001. Final details are still being worked out. between the two leaders, according to sources.

Similar to these rules, set in January 2001, Schumer and McConnell’s aides discuss the possibility for bills and nominations to advance to the Senate even if they are tied in committee votes, which could become common since each party should have the same number of committee seats.

Democrats will chair committees, giving them the power to set the agenda, and Schumer will be given the title of Majority Leader as Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will cast decisive votes on the floor.

The full chamber has yet to ratify these procedures, but that should happen once Schumer and McConnell finalize their deal.

Trump impeachment trial looms as Congress prepares for Biden administration arrival

Democrats are still awaiting the seats of Georgia’s two new Democrats – Senators’ elect Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff – who won their second round this month. Georgia election officials expected the certification process to be completed by Tuesday, and if so, it is possible that the two senators could be sworn in and be sworn in that day, sources say. democrats.

Harris resigned his Senate seat on Monday and will soon be replaced by Democrat Alex Padilla. It’s still unclear when Padilla will be sworn in.

Once Harris is sworn in as vice president and the last three Democrats take their Senate seats, their caucus will be in charge of a 50-50 Senate with Harris severing ties.

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