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WASHINGTON (AP) – So what does a 50-50 Senate get President-elect Joe Biden?
Washington barely had time to deal with the implications of Democratic control after Georgia run-off elections who hand over the Senate to the Democrats. Hours after the race decision, a mob of fanatics ransacked the US Capitol and reshaped the national and political landscape.
The unexpected new balance of power that gives Democrats only the tightest control of Congress has big ramifications for the president-elect – easy confirmation from his cabinet most important – but the way forward for its ambitious legislative agenda remains complicated and murky.
Republicans remain poised to block most of Biden’s proposals, just as they thwarted much of President Barack Obama’s efforts on Capitol Hill. But the 50/50 check allows action on special legislation that can’t be obstructed, and momentum for popular parties for COVID-19 relief could easily propel a quick help bill into law.
What 50-50 really gets – and doesn’t get – Biden when he takes office:
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WHAT BIDEN GETS
APPOINTMENTS
With Democrats chairing committees in the Senate and needing only a majority to win floor votes on nominations, Biden is now assured of sealing confirmation of his Cabinet and judicial choices – potentially including for the Court supreme. It also means controversial choices such as Neera TandenBiden’s choice for budget manager, can be expected to assume his duties. Republicans can slow down but not stop nominations.
BUDGET RECONCILIATION
Democrats also have the option of passing special simple majority budget legislation, an often obscure process that saw Obama complete his 2010 healthcare bill and gave President Donald’s GOP allies Trump a missed chance to repeal “Obamacare” and pass a tax review bill. Biden could use this so-called budget reconciliation process to pass more controversial elements of COVID-19 relief with only Democratic votes, repeal some of Trump’s tax cuts, or make federal health care programs more generous, for example.
SET THE AGENDA
Democratic Senate Leader Chuck Schumer – he will be Majority Leader once the two new Georgian Senators and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris are all sworn in – now has the opportunity to introduce legislation and force votes. This could allow the passage of $ 2,000 in direct relief payments for COVID-19 and other aid, for example, and could lead to debates on issues such as police reform, immigration and climate change. . But passing such legislation would require the support of Republicans, which gives the minority party enormous clout.
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WHAT DOES NOT GET SUBMISSION
FILIBUSTER ELIMINATION
Ahead of the November election, pressure was mounting from the Democratic left to remove the filibuster, leading Republicans to accuse Democrats of packing the Supreme Court or giving statehood to Democratic strongholds such as the District of Columbia. Moderate Democrat Joe Manchin of West Virginia has said he will block any attempt to clear the filibuster so progressives in the party risk losing their breath on this now.
BIPARTISANATION
Unified party control of government almost invariably separates the two parties. Recent events – the hard-won passage of a $ 900 billion COVID-19 relief bill and the radical overthrow of Trump’s veto on the annual defense bill – have proven that the center’s demise Congress can help get results on Capitol Hill. But issues like raising the debt limit instantly become partisan, and the political incentives for many Republicans as the 2022 midterm and 2024 presidential election approach is to vilify Biden and the Democrats controlling Congress. Expect a short honeymoon for Biden.
PROGRESSIVE MESSAGING PRIORITIES
A 50-50 Democratic Senate and tight control of the House grants virtually any Democrat the ability to gut work. This means that unviable ideas like “Medicare for All” and a Green New Deal will not be the focus of attention for Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. This could, over time, frustrate the Liberals and cause them to come up with demands related to bills that can actually pass as infrastructure spending and budget reconciliation proposals.
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