Meanwhile, it’s not yet clear when exactly the nation will run up against the debt limit and it appears unlikely for now that Congress will act to raise it during the lame-duck session, especially as other must-pass bills compete for floor time. If the bill passes the Senate, it would also need to clear the House, which in September, passed its own version of the legislation.

It is supported by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Kentucky Republican. Votes are likely on bipartisan legislation that would make it harder to overturn a certified presidential election, a response to former President Donald Trump’s efforts to block the 2020 election results, which led to the siege of the Capitol. Wade, sparking fears that the court could take aim at same-sex or inter-racial marriage in the future. Democrats have pushed for the vote after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Schumer has vowed to hold a vote on the bill, but the exact timing has not yet been locked in. We are confident that when our legislation comes to the Senate floor for a vote, we will have the bipartisan support to pass the bill.” The bill would need at least 10 Republican votes to overcome a filibuster. The bipartisan group of senators working on the bill said in a statement at the time, “We’ve asked Leader Schumer for additional time and we appreciate he has agreed. In mid-September, the chamber punted on a vote until after the November midterm elections as negotiators asked for more time to lock down support - a move that could make it more likely the bill will ultimately pass the chamber. Senate Democrats will also continue confirming judges to the federal bench nominated by President Joe Biden, a key priority for the party.Ī Senate vote on codifying same-sex marriage is also on tap.

Consideration of the wide-ranging bill could spark debate and a push for amendments over a variety of topics, including whether to punish Saudi Arabia for its recent decision to cut oil production. Democrats may also seeking more money for the Department of Justice investigation into the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol.Ĭongress also has to pass the defense bill. Kevin McCarthy of California, the top House Republican who is expected to become speaker if his party eventually wins the chamber - are balking at the pricey contributions and are vowing to scrutinize more closely additional requests from the Biden administration, a dynamic that is dividing Republicans.ĭemocrats also want more funding for the Covid-19 pandemic, but Republicans are not likely to support that request. While that funding has bipartisan support, some conservatives - such as Rep.

For example, additional financial support for Ukraine as it continues to defend itself against Russia. But with a runoff election set for Georgia’s US Senate seat set for December 6, the final make-up of the chamber won’t be known until at least then.īecause the legislation must be passed, it could attract additional measures that Democrats want to clear during the lame duck session.

Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada will win reelection, meaning the Democrats will continue to control the Senate once the news session of Congress starts in January. On Saturday, CNN projected that Democratic Sen. While Republicans still appear likely to win enough seats to control the chamber, it would likely be with a narrower margin than originally anticipated. Wade - are expected to remain out of reach for the party for the foreseeable future.ĭemocrats, who currently control both chambers, are returning with a new reality in the wake of Tuesday’s election they did not expect: Key races that will determine the balance of power in the House have not been called, and CNN has not yet projected who would control the House. Therefore, major priorities for liberal voters - like the passage of legislation protecting access to abortion after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. With a 50-50 partisan split in the Senate, Democrats lack the votes to overcome the filibuster’s 60-vote threshold - and do not have enough support within their party to abolish the filibuster, as many are anxious to do. While the House is able to pass legislation by a simple majority, Democrats in the Senate face an uphill climb given their narrow majority.

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