Negotiations between Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and Republican Leader Mitch McConnell have largely revolved around how the Senate worked the last time the body was split 50-50: when George W. Bush initially became president in 2001. The Final Details are still being sorted out between the two leaders, sources said.
Similar to those rules, enacted in January 2001, Schumer and McConnell’s aides are discussing allowing bills and nominations to flow to the Senate floor even if they are tied during committee votes, something that could become common. as each party is expected to have the same number of seats on committees.
Democrats will hold the chairmanship of the 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 a tie.
The full chamber has yet to ratify these proceedings, but it is expected to do so once Schumer and McConnell finalize their agreement.
Democrats are still waiting to replace the two new Georgia Democrats – Sens.-elect Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff – who won their second races this month. Election officials in Georgia expected the certification process to be completed by Tuesday, and if it does, it’s possible the two senators would take their oaths and be sworn in on that day, according to Democratic sources.
Harris resigned her seat in the Senate on Monday and will soon be replaced by Democrat Alex Padilla. It is still uncertain when Padilla will be sworn in.
Once Harris is sworn in as vice president and the last three Democrats take up their senate seats, their caucus will preside over a 50-50 senate with Harris cutting ties.