US Senate Democrats Celebrate a 51-Seat Majority with Georgia Win

Chuck Schumer, the U.S. Senate Majority leader, jubilantly announced Wednesday’s victory in the Georgia runoff election. This will end an evenly divided U.S. Senate next year. It gives Democrats more subpoena powers in committees and a faster turnaround in approving federal appointments and judicial appointments.a

Schumer, a New York Democrat, congratulated Democratic U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock on winning a full six year term in Georgia’s U.S. Senate election against Republican challenger Herschel.

Schumer stated, “This outcome is absolutely worthwhile after one-year, 10 months and seventeen days of the longest 50-50 Senate history.” “Fifty-one is a small majority. We are so happy about this.”

The Senate Democrats’ last victory in the 2022 midterm elections gave them a majority for the next Congress. This won’t require a power-sharing arrangement with Republicans.

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Schumer stated that Democrats now can “breathe in relief” and that the confirmation of judicial nominees will occur more quickly than if they were stalled by a split U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee. Rarely, Kamala Harris, the Vice President of the United States, has been required to travel to the Senate to cast a tiebreaker vote on the Senate floor.

Schumer stated, “We are so proud about our record with judges.” It’s one of the most important things we’ve ever done.

‘Worth the wait’: U.S. Senate Democrats celebrate a 51-seat majority with Georgia win https://t.co/wasmA75jjC via @ncpolicywatch #ncpol #ncga #Warnock #Georgia

— NC Newsline (@NCNewsline) December 7, 2022

There are currently 89 vacant judicial seats. So far, 87 judges under the Biden administration have been confirmed.

Schumer stated that two-thirds of those confirmed are women and half are people from color. Schumer also said that there are “more Black women on the federal bench now… (than) before Biden became President.”

Schumer stated that the bench now looks more American than ever.

The Manchin factor

The 51-seat majority allows Democrats to lose one vote, especially from Democratic U.S. Senator Joe Manchin III of West Virginia. He has significant power to reduce legislative priorities, such as reducing the Child Tax Credit expansion that lifted millions out of poverty and opposing major climate change policies.

Schumer stated that the committees would not be in a deadlock anymore (usually 10 to 10) and that they will be able vote in the next Congress to issue subpoenas. These subpoenas can be used to request information not only from the Biden administration but also from corporations.

Schumer stated, “That’s all about to change because we will have the advantage in every committee.”

But, Republicans will take control of the House in January. Senate Democrats must still pass the 60-vote filibuster threshold to pass any legislation.

During Wednesday’s press conference, Democratic U.S. Senator Gary Peters of Michigan (chair of the party’s Senate campaign arm — The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee joined Schumer. Peters praised Warnock’s work in the Senate and said Warnock was an extraordinary candidate.

Peters stated, “Now that he is coming back for six years, you can only imagine what he will do for the next six-years.”

Warnock and Ossoff

Warnock ran for the 2020 election to complete the remaining two-year term of Johnny Isakson (Republican U.S. Senator), who had retired from health reasons. Warnock and Democratic U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff competed in the runoff elections of 2021. They became Georgia’s first Black or Jewish senators, and gave Democrats control over the Senate.

Ossoff stated that he looks forward to working with Warnock.

He said, “States Newsroom: “It’s a pleasure and privilege to deliver for Georgia every day, alongside Sen. Warnock, in Congress, and I look forward to continuing doing so.”

U.S. Senator Rick Scott, Florida’s chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee stated in a statement that Walker’s campaign had inspired millions of Georgians.

Early Wednesday saw Warnock have 51.3% of votes. Walker was just a little more than that, with about 90,000. According to unofficial results, Warnock now has about 51%.

Scott stated, “While Herschel lost last night,” he said.

Walker gave a concession speech Tuesday night in which he thanked his supporters and asked them to “continue believing in the Constitution” and to support their elected officials.

He said, “One thing I want to say to all of you is that you never stop dreaming.” “Most importantly, keep praying for them. Because of all the prayers that you’ve given to me, I felt those prayers.”