Senate Reaches Power-Sharing Deal Allowing Democrats To Lead Committees

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced that he has reached a power-sharing agreement with Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. The Senate is split 50-50 between Republicans and Democrats. Vice President Kamala Harris will serve as the tie-breaking vote on any legislation that is tied.

The full chamber is expected to pass the deal, which will allow Democrats to take over key committees as they control the agenda for the upcoming legislative session.

"I am happy to report this morning that the leadership of both parties have finalized the organizing resolution for the Senate," Schumer said on the Senate floor. "We will pass the resolution through the Senate today, which means that committees can promptly set up and get to work with Democrats holding the gavels."

The agreement is modeled off one that was reached in 2001, the last time the Senate was split 50-50. Under the terms of that agreement, bills that were tied in committees could still be brought to the Senate floor for consideration.

Schumer said that the Senate would prioritize climate change and instructed committee heads to hold hearings in the coming weeks to address the issue.

"I'm confident that our members are ready to hit the ground running on the most important issues that face our country," Schumer said. "Senate Democrats are not going to waste any time taking on the biggest challenges facing our country and our planet."

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