Negotiations between Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and Republican leader Mitch McConnell have been largely built around the functioning of the Senate the last time the body was split between 50 and 50 years: when George W. Bush became president in 2001. The final details are still being resolved. between the two leaders, sources said.
Similar to these rules, established in January 2001, Schumer and McConnell’s aides are debating the possibility of bills and nominations advancing to the Senate floor even if they are tied during committee votes, which it could become commonplace given that each party is expected to have the same number of seats on committees.
Democrats will hold the committees of the committees, giving them the power to set the agenda, and Schumer will receive the title of majority leader, as Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will cast unequal votes.
The plenary still has to ratify these procedures, but it is expected to take place once Schumer and McConnell have finalized their agreement.
Democrats are still waiting for the seats of Georgia’s two new Democrats, Sen. Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff, who won their escape races this month. Georgia election officials had expected the certification process to be completed on Tuesday, and if so, it is possible that the two senators could take the oath and be sworn in that day, according to democratic sources.
Harris resigned from his Senate seat Monday and will soon be replaced by Democrat Alex Padilla. It is still uncertain when Padilla will take office.
Once Harris takes over as vice president and the final three Democrats take their seats in the Senate, his group will be in charge of a 50-50 Senate with Harris breaking ties.