WASHINGTON (AP) – So what can a 50-50 Senate get elected President Joe Biden?
Washington has barely had time to prosecute the implications of Democratic control after the two Georgia elections that hand over the Senate to Democrats. Hours after the races were decided, a crowd of fans looted the United States Capitol and reformed the national and political landscape.
The unexpected new balance of power that gives Democrats only the slightest control in Congress has major consequences for the president-elect, which is more important to easily confirm his cabinet, but the way forward with his ambitious legislative agenda remains complicated and murky.
Republicans remain prepared to block most of Biden’s proposals, just as they thwarted much of President Barack Obama’s efforts on Capitol Hill. But 50/50 control allows action to be taken on special legislation that cannot be curtailed, and the popular parties ’push for COVID-19 relief could easily push for an early aid bill.
What 50-50 really gets and doesn’t get Biden when he takes office:
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WHAT AN OFFER IS MADE
APPOINTMENTS
With Democrats chairing committees in the Senate and only needing a majority to win votes in the candidacies, Biden has now secured the seal of confirmation of his cabinet and judicial selections, including those possible for the Supreme Court. It also means that controversial options, such as Neera Tanden, the election of Biden as budget director, could look forward to taking office. Republicans can slow down, but not stop running.
“RECONCILIATION” BUDGET
Democrats also have the opportunity to pass special budget-related legislation by simple majority, an often arcane process that allowed Obama to finish his 2010 health care bill and gave the GOP allies the President Donald Trump failed opportunity to revoke “Obamacare” and pass a tax review bill. Biden could use this process of budget reconciliation 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.
AGENDA SETUP
Democratic Senate leader Chuck Schumer will be the majority leader when Georgia’s two new senators and vice president-elect Kamala Harris take the oath of office, he now has a chance to put the legislation to the floor and force the votes. This could allow for the direct approval of $ 2,000 in COVID-19 aid and other aid, for example, and could mean debates on issues such as police reform, immigration and climate change. But passing this legislation would require Republican support, which gives the minority party enormous influence.
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WHAT HAS BEEN OFFERED IS NOT DONE
ELIMINATION OF THE FILIBUSTER
Prior to the November election, pressure from the Democratic left had increased to eliminate the filibuster, prompting Republicans to accuse Democrats of packing up the Supreme Court or giving state status to democratic strongholds such as the district of Columbia. Moderate Democrat Joe Manchin of West Virginia says he will block any attempt to eliminate the filibuster, so party progressives may be losing their breath on the issue now.
BIPARTIDAT
Unified control of government by one party almost invariably separates the two parties. Recent events, which have hard earned a $ 900 billion COVID-19 relief bill, and a radical overturning of Trump’s veto on the annual defense bill, have been evidence that the demise from the Congress Center can help you get results on Capitol Hill. But issues like raising the debt limit become partisan instantly, and the political incentives for many Republicans heading into mid-2022 and the 2024 presidential election are to defame Biden and the Democrats who they control Congress. Expect a short honeymoon for Biden.
PROGRESSIVE MESSAGE PRIORITIES
A 50- to 50-year-old Democratic Senate and full control of the House give virtually any Democrat the chance to destroy the works. This means that impossible-to-pass ideas such as “Medicare for All” and a new green deal will not be the focus of Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Over time, this could frustrate liberals and cause them to issue demands related to bills that can actually happen like infrastructure spending and budget reconciliation proposals.