Georgia Victories Hand Control Of Senate To Democrats—Here’s What They’ll Likely Tackle First

Plus: D.C. Protests Live Coverage: Mob Occupation Of Capitol Stretches Into Third Hour Despite Trump Call To ‘Go Home’

TOPLINE

The twin Senate victories in Georgia have handed Democrats control of both chambers of Congress, allowing the party to pursue its own legislative agenda while ensuring that President-elect Joe Biden avoids gridlock in Washington and clearing the path for his cabinet and judicial nominees.

KEY FACTS

The first big priority for the Democrats will be getting the Covid-19 crisis under control and delivering on Biden’s promise of delivering a more comprehensive pandemic-aid package that includes $2,000 stimulus checks, a move that had previously been held up by the Senate’s Republican leader Mitch McConnell.

A Democrat-driven pandemic recovery bill will also allow them to prioritize aid for state and local governments that have been severely hit in the past year. 

The control of both houses will also allow Biden to pursue his economic recovery plan that includes tax increases on corporations and the wealthiest Americans, along with a $15 per hour federal minimum wage—both of which are opposed by most Republicans in Congress.

Democratic control of the Senate will ensure that Biden cabinet nominees will have a clearer path to approval as many Republican senators were likely to block at least one of his picks, Neera Tanden, for the Office of Management and Budget.

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