WASHINGTON (AP) – So what does a 50-50 Senate gain from President-elect Joe Biden?
Washington barely had time to process the implications of Democratic control after two runoff elections in Georgia who are handing the Senate over to the Democrats. Hours after the races were decided, a crowd of fanatics ransacked the United States Capitol and reshaped the national and political scene.
The unexpected new balance of power, giving Democrats only minimal control of Congress, has big consequences for the president-elect – easy confirmation from his office more important – but the way forward for its ambitious legislative agenda remains complicated and obscure.
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 the 50/50 control allows for action on special legislation that cannot be obstructed, and boost for the popular parts of the COVID-19 relief could easily push forward an aid bill in law.
What 50-50 really gets – and can’t – Biden when he takes office:
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WHAT BIDEN GETS
APPOINTMENTS
With Democrats chairing committees in the Senate and needing only a majority to win plenary votes in the nominations, Biden is now guaranteed to seal his cabinet’s confirmation and judicial choices – potentially including for the Supreme Court. It also means controversial choices, like Neera Tanden, Biden’s choice as budget director, may consider taking up his positions. Republicans may slow down, but not hinder nominations.
‘RECONCILIATION’ BUDGET
Democrats also have the opportunity to pass special legislation related to simple majority budgeting, an often mysterious process that allowed Obama to finish his 2010 health bill and gave President Donald Trump’s allies in the Republican Party a failed chance to repeal “Obamacare” and the passage of a tax review law. Biden could use the so-called budget reconciliation process to approve more controversial elements of relief from COVID-19 with only Democratic votes, to revoke some of Trump’s tax cuts or to make federal health care programs more generous, for example.
DEFINING THE AGENDA
Chuck Schumer, Democratic leader in the Senate – he will be the majority leader as soon as the two new senators from Georgia and elected vice president Kamala Harris they are all sworn in – now they have the opportunity to bring legislation to the floor and force votes. This could allow $ 2,000 to be spent on direct relief payments from COVID-19 and other aid, for example, and could spell debates on issues such as police reform, immigration and climate change. But passing this legislation would require the support of Republicans, which gives the minority party enormous influence.
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WHAT BIDEN DOES NOT GET
DISPOSAL OF FILIBUSTADOR
Prior to the November election, pressure was growing from the Democratic left to remove the obstruction, prompting Republicans to accuse Democrats of filling the Supreme Court or giving a state to Democratic strongholds like the District of Columbia. Moderate Democrat Joe Manchin of West Virginia says he will block any attempt to remove the obstruction, so party progressives may be running out of steam on this topic now.
BIPARTIZATION
Unified government control by one party almost invariably separates the two sides. Recent events – the passing of a $ 900 billion COVID-19 relief bill and a reversal of Trump’s veto of the annual defense bill – have been evidence that the disappearance of the middle of Congress can help boost results on the Capitol. But issues like raising the debt limit instantly become partisan, and the political incentives for many Republicans heading for the 2022 and 2024 presidential elections are to defame Biden and the Democrats who control Congress. Expect a short honeymoon for Biden.
PROGRESSIVE MESSAGE PRIORITIES
A 50-50 Democratic Senate and absolute control of the House guarantee virtually any individual Democrat the ability to obstruct works. This means that ideas that are impossible to approve like “Medicare for all” and a New Green Agreement will not be the focus of Schumer and Mayor Nancy Pelosi. This could, in time, frustrate liberals and cause them to issue demands related to bills that can actually pass as infrastructure spending and budget reconciliation proposals.