With Republicans looking increasingly likely to take control of the Senate, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are already considering how they will operate in the chamber if the levers of power are reversed.
For Republicans, the prospect of controlling the Senate is sparking an early debate over whether to change the rules of the road, particularly those guiding nominations and the budget. Such rule changes are arcane but could have a big impact on legislation and who is confirmed to judicial- and executive-branch posts.
Democrats, too, would face choices, including how much of an impediment they want to be to a GOP-run Congress and who will lead them in that fight.
As the election gets closer, many lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have remained hesitant to publicly expound on how a GOP-run Senate would operate. Democrats are unwilling to concede they might lose control of the chamber, while Republicans are reluctant to look like they are taking victory for granted.
According to aides and strategists from both parties, however, the senators are already actively engaged on the topic in anticipation of decisions to be made next year.
Republicans’ leader, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, has delivered speeches about improving the Senate’s ability to function by, for example, holding more amendment votes and expanding the chamber’s workweek.
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| WSJ/NBC NEWS POLL RESULTS |
Lawmakers and aides are also mulling who will lead House and Senate committees from each party next year, replacing a bevy of retiring veteran lawmakers and those who have reached their panel’s term limits. Committee selections won’t be finalized until next year, but jockeying is already under way for plum spots, which can give lawmakers a powerful role in shaping legislation and bring them a surge in fundraising.
Pollsters for the latest Wall Street Journal/NBC News survey predict Republican gains in the Senate, with the poll finding that likely voters preferred a GOP-controlled Congress over a Democratic one, 46% to 44%, though the political climate remains volatile. The Democratic caucus currently holds 55 of the Senate’s 100 seats, so Republicans would need to win a net six seats to take control.Read the rest of the story HERE.
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1 comment:
If Republicans' gain control,,they need New Leadership in the HOUSE. AN. SENATE. Neither side has much support, both sides Lie, spend like crazy, but the Liberals can thank ,,Obamanation !!
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