Legislating Will Be Constantly Changing and Complex for Biden, Says Top Political Scientist
Legislating Will Be Constantly Changing and Complex for Biden, Says Top Political Scientist
And in the Senate, just barely.
"In terms of actual legislating, it’s going to be tough for [Biden]," said Lawless. "We talk a lot about how Kamala Harris is going to be in the position to cast the tie-breaking vote as a result the Democrats have control. But in the committee system, there are an equal number of Democrats and Republicans on each committee."
"What that means is Chuck Schumer does get to appoint Committee Chairs — so the Democrats will control the agenda in each committee," she said. "It’s up to the Committee chair to determine whether the committee holds a hearing, whether there’s a vote, whether the committee sends a bill out for full floor consideration."
"This is not a situation where the Democrats get to rule the day - because in order to pass any bill through any of these committees, they’re going to need at least one Republican vote," said Lawless.
Lawless on Biden Reversing Trump Executive Orders
Lawless also spoke about Biden's immediate actions to reverse a number of Executive Orders made by former President Donald Trump.
"Halting our withdrawal from the World Health Organization - rejoining the Paris Climate accords — these are the kind of things an Executive Order are appropriate for," Lawless said of Biden's actions. "These are not the kinds of actions that Congress would take."