Democrats take control of the Senate after two Georgia wins.
What We Know:
- Democrats took control of Congress for the first time since 2011, now controlling the Senate. According to NPR, the Senate is split 50-50 between the parties; Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will be the tie-breaking vote. Nancy Pelosi won re-election as Speaker of the House.
- The two Georgia wins gave Democrats narrow control of the Senate. Democrat Jon Ossoff defeated Republican David Perdue. Ossoff will be the youngest member of the Senate and the first Jewish senator from Georgia. Raphael Warnock defeated Kelly Loeffler, becoming the first Black Democrat senator elected from a southern state.
- Ossoff declared victory Wednesday morning, stating, “It is with humility that I thank the people of Georgia for electing me to serve you in the United States Senate.” Perdue has yet to concede.
- With control of the Senate, Democrats control the Congress and the White House. It is expected that Joe Biden will be able to set the legislative agenda. Additionally, Senator Chuck Schumer is expected to take over as majority leader, replacing GOP Senator Mitch McConnell. Schumer will determine what bills will meet the floor.
Biden commented on what the Georgia wins mean. “Georgia’s voters delivered a resounding message yesterday: they want action on the crises we face and they want it right now. On COVID-19, on economic relief, on climate, on racial justice, on voting rights and so much more. They want us to move, but move together.”
- With a split Senate, Biden will need to choose his priorities carefully. Ambitious proposals would cover topics like climate change and health care. Biden has said his priority is coronavirus relief. Bipartisan support is necessary as Senate rules require 60 votes to advance a bill.
With Democratic control of Congress and the White House and Joe Biden approaching his inauguration, Americans can expect new bills to be introduced and passed.
