The negotiations between Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and Republican leader Mitch McConnell were largely built around how the Senate worked the last time the body was divided 50-50: When George W. Bush initially became president in 2001 Final details are still being worked out between the two leaders, the sources said.
Similar to these rules, established in January 2001, Schumer and McConnell aides are discussing allowing bills and nominations to reach the Senate floor even if they are tied during committee votes, something that may become commonplace, since each party is expected to have the same number of seats on the committees.
Democrats will chair the committees, empowering them to set the agenda, and Schumer will be given the title of majority leader, as vice president-elect Kamala Harris will cast a vote in the plenary.
The House floor has yet to ratify these procedures, but that should happen as soon as Schumer and McConnell complete their deal.
Democrats are still waiting for the seats of Georgia’s two new Democrats – Senator-elect Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff – who won this month’s races. Georgia’s election officials expected the certification process to be completed on Tuesday and, if so, it is possible that the two senators will take an oath and take an oath that day, according to Democratic sources.
Harris resigned his Senate seat on Monday and will soon be replaced by Democrat Alex Padilla. It is not yet known when Padilla will take office.
As soon as Harris is sworn in as vice president and the last three Democrats take their seats in the Senate, the caucus will be in charge of a 50-50 Senate with Harris breaking off relations.