CNN
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If the Democrats win the Senate run-off vote in Georgia and secure a narrow 51-49 majority against the Republicans, they will have a significant governing hand, compared to the current 50-50 split in Congress. has the advantage of being a minority.
- Democrats will have a majority on each committee, allowing them to process legislation and nominations more quickly. Democrats will also enjoy more headcount and budgets, increasing their ability to carry out committee work. Commissions are now equally divided, as are resources, allowing Republicans to slow the pace of opposing candidates. That person should be removed from the committee and allowed to vote on the floor. In one instance earlier this year, Republicans used Banking Commission rules to prevent even voting by boycotting committee meetings, ultimately giving President Joe Biden the nomination for the Federal Reserve. was forced to withdraw. This frees up additional floor time for Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to use for other candidates and Democratic priorities.
- Democrats will have powerful powers to issue subpoenas. They no longer need bipartisan support to issue subpoenas, so they can use these key tools around Republican opposition. This could increase the power and number of Democratic-led investigations.
- Centrist Democrats may not have as much power over the Democratic agenda. The two-seat majority difference is the support from all members of his caucus, such as moderates like West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin and Arizona Senator Kirsten Cinema, who are set to be re-elected in 2024. giving Schumer more breathing room to pass legislation without requiring a Two he held great power in the 50-50 Senate.
- Filling vacancies on the Supreme Court may be easier. If there is a vacancy on the Supreme Court, the two-seat margin could also be significant, as only a majority is needed to confirm justice for that post, allowing Schumer to lose one vote.
- Harris may not be needed much on the Hill. Democrats probably don’t have to rely so heavily on Vice President Kamala Harris to break tie votes for nominations and bills, something she’s done 26 times so far in the current 50-50 Senate. , more than any modern vice president.
