U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) attend an event in the Capitol Rotunda on Feb. 3, 2021.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) announced Wednesday (Feb. 3) that he and Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) have finally reached a power-sharing agreement.
The agreement will allow Senate Democrats to take control of Senate committees.
After the election, Senate Democrats can dominate the parliamentary and legislative agenda, but key committee leadership is still controlled by Republicans, which makes Biden‘s tenure so far, the Senate is basically in a state of paralysis, only a few committees are willing to advance the priorities of the new government, and the confirmation of ministerial candidates.
In the Senate, the Democrats and Republicans each hold 50 seats, with Vice President Kamala Harris holding a tie-breaking vote to give the Democrats a slim majority.
Schumer said on the Senate floor Tuesday, “I’m pleased to report this morning that the bipartisan leadership has finalized the Senate’s organizing resolution. We will pass the Senate resolution today, which means the committees can be formed and get to work quickly, working (together) with the Democrats holding the gavel.”
Schumer added, “These committees will be set up quickly and get to work with Democrats holding the gavel. …… believes our members are ready to lay the groundwork and get after (these issues) on the most important issues facing our country.”
It is unclear how long it will take for the Senate to pass a deal.
Schumer’s announcement comes a day after Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) turned down a request from Democrats to schedule Biden’s attorney general nominee, Merrick Garland (D-Mass.). Outsiders expect him to have the support of lawmakers from both parties.
Graham said, “When the Senate’s focus is on the need to consider whether to bar the former president’s re-election (rights), other business must stop. Simultaneous confirmation of the attorney general and impeachment of the former president would deny both the attention they need.”
And Dick Durbin, the next chairman of the Judiciary Committee, expressed regret.
He told reporters, “They (Republicans) can schedule hearings, and unfortunately, I’m not the official chairman of the committee. (Although) we became the majority because of the vice president’s vote, I had to approach the previous chairman, Congressman Graham, who had taken over (the chairmanship) from Republican Senator Grassley. It’s a very complicated situation.”
Separately, Republican Sen. John Boozman (R-Okla.) said Tuesday during his confirmation hearing for Agriculture Secretary nominee Tom Vilsack that his committee does not currently have an official chairman.
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