A 50-50 Relationship

Before it takes up its first piece of legislation in the new year or begins the process of confirming the next president’s appointees, the U.S. Senate must agree on how to organize itself. That’s usually a routine matter. The majority party decides who will chair committees and how membership on them is apportioned, as well as dividing spending on majority and minority staff positions. There’s nothing usual, though, about the Senate that convenes Jan. 3. If George W. Bush becomes president, Democratic vice presidential candidate Joseph I. Lieberman will retain his Connecticut seat in the Senate, assuring a 50-50 division and setting the scene for what could be either a notable level of bipartisan cooperation or legislative paralysis.

A Bush presidency means that Vice President Dick Cheney would be president of the Senate, giving Republicans nominal control through his tie-breaking vote. But even if the membership remains stable--assuming that every senator stays healthy--Democrats would carry considerable power if only in an increased ability to filibuster or otherwise tie up Republican initiatives. Hence this week’s effusive talk about amity and conciliation, beginning with Bush and including even Republican Majority Leader Trent Lott (Miss.), who said, “We are absolutely committed to reaching out and working together.” Cheney’s vote would guarantee that Lott remains in charge, calling the all-important shots on which legislation reaches the floor for a vote.

Democratic Minority Leader Tom Daschle of South Dakota responded with two words Republicans can expect to hear often: power-sharing. The Democrats are demanding equal representation on committees, an equal budget and shared, rotating or split chairmanships. John McCain (R-Ariz.) has already announced that membership on the Commerce Committee, which he will continue to chair, will be split 10-10. That’s a responsible start, but other party leaders have not picked up the baton. House Republican Majority Whip Tom DeLay of Texas didn’t help by declaring Wednesday: “We have the House. We have the Senate. We have the White House. Which means we have the agenda.”

The parties generally agree on what ought to lead the 104th Congress’ agenda: Medicare, Social Security and education reforms, defense modernization, tax cuts. McCain will rightly keep campaign finance in the fore. The challenge will come in agreeing on the details. But before anything is possible, the Senate must agree on an equitable power-sharing arrangement. That has to be rooted in the practical consideration that by itself each party in an evenly divided body can accomplish little.