WASHINGTON (AP) – So what’s a 50-50 senate for President-elect Joe Biden?
Washington has barely had time to come to terms with the implications of democratic control after two elections in Georgia that give the Senate to Democrats. Hours after the races were decided, a mob of fanatics ransacked the Capitol, changing the national and political landscape.
The unexpected new balance of power that gives Democrats only the slightest control over Congress has major ramifications for the president-elect – especially an easy affirmation from his cabinet – but the way for his ambitious legislative agenda remains complicated and dark.
Republicans remain ready to block most of Biden’s proposals, just as they thwarted many of President Barack Obama’s efforts on Capitol Hill. But 50/50 scrutiny allows action on special legislation that cannot be filed, and momentum for the popular parts of COVID-19 aid could easily put an early aid law into law.
What 50-50 really gets – and doesn’t get – Biden when taking office:
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WHAT GETS PRAYING
NOMINATIONS
With Democrats chairing committees in the Senate and only needing a majority to get votes on the ground for nominations, Biden is now assured of confirmation of his cabinet’s confirmation and judicial choices – possibly before the Supreme Court as well. It also means that controversial choices like Neera Tanden, Biden’s choice of budget director, can look ahead to their position. Republicans can delay nominations, but they cannot stop them.
BUDGET ‘RECONCILIATION’
Democrats also have the ability to pass special budget legislation by simple majority, an often secretive process that enabled Obama to finalize his 2010 health bill and give President Donald Trump’s GOP allies a failed opportunity to “Obamacare” and the passage of a tax recovery account. Biden could use this so-called fiscal reconciliation process to pass on 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.
SET THE AGENDA
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer – he will become majority leader once the two new senators in Georgia and elected vice president Kamala Harris are all sworn in – now has the ability to speak up for legislation and enforce votes. For example, that could allow the passage of $ 2,000 direct COVID-19 emergency payments and other aid, and could spark debates on issues such as police reform, immigration and climate change. But passing such legislation would require the support of Republicans, giving the minority party tremendous influence.
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WHAT DOES NOT OFFER
ELIMINATION OF THE FILIBUSTER
Before the November election, pressure from the Democratic left had increased to eliminate the filibuster, leading Republicans to accuse Democrats of seizing the Supreme Court or giving state to Democratic strongholds such as the District of Columbia. West Virginia moderate Democrat Joe Manchin says he will block any attempt to eliminate the filibuster, so party progressives may now be wasting their breath on this topic.
BIPARTISANSHIP
Uniform control of the government by one party almost always drives the two parties apart. Recent events – the hard-won passage of a $ 900 billion COVID-19 bill and a sweeping override of Trump’s veto of the annual defense bill – are evidence that the disappearing convention center can help improve results on Capitol Hill. But issues like raising the debt limit immediately become partisan, and the political incentives for many Republicans heading into the midterms of 2022 and the 2024 presidential election are designed to slander Biden and the Democrats who control Congress. Expect a short honeymoon for Biden.
PROGRESSIVE MESSAGE PRIORITIES
A 50-50 Democratic Senate and bare-bones control of the House give virtually every individual Democrat the opportunity to do the job. That means ideas such as “Medicare for All” and a Green New Deal will not be the focus of Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. That could frustrate liberals over time and lead them to issue demands on bills that can actually be passed, such as infrastructure spending and budget reconciliation proposals.