Senate Reaches Power-Sharing Agreement And Democrats Take Over Committees

Topline

Senate leadership has agreed to a power sharing plan that will allow Democrats to finally take control of committees, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) announced Wednesday, ending a stalemate that began after the conclusion of the Georgia runoff elections on January 5. 

Key Facts

Tangent

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, declined Democrat’s request to schedule attorney general nominee Merrick Garland’s hearing on February 8 because President Donald Trump’s impeachment trial is set to begin the next day, eliciting scathing criticism from Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.). With the power-sharing agreement complete, Democrats will have control over when hearings are scheduled.

Key Background 

A key sticking point between Schumer and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell in power sharing negotiations was the filibuster. McConnell wanted assurance from Schumer that Democrats would not nuke the legislative maneuver, which requires the Senate to reach 60 votes to end debate on most bills. The Kentucky Republican relented after two Democrats—Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona—indicated they would not support tossing out the 1800s-era rule, all but dooming any effort by left-wing Democrats to get rid of it. 

Further Reading

Now In The Minority, McConnell Fights For Tools To Block Biden’s Bills (Forbes)

Democrats Take Control Of Senate As Ossoff And Warnock Are Sworn In (Forbes)