Vice President Harris Swears in Democratic Senators Solidifying Majority Control
Vice President Kamala Harris swore in three historic democrat senators as part of her first day in office.
Alex Padilla, Jon Ossof, and Reverend Raphael Warnock became the United States Congress’ three newest senators when they took their oaths of office on January 20.
Hours after Vice President Harris took her Oath of Office, she then took to the Capitol Building to act as Senate President for the first time.
These three senators bring the Senate to a 50/50 split with republicans. Anytime the Senate is evenly split on a decision, Harris will break the tie. This gives democrats control of the Senate. They were already in control of the House of Representatives and the White House, as President Joe Biden was sworn in earlier the same day.
Senator Chuck Schumer of New York officially becomes the Senate Majority Leader, while Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky becomes Senate Minority Leader. Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont is the new President pro tempore of the United States Senate.
Harris resigned from her position as senator of California on January 18 in order to serve as the vice president. California’s governor, Gavin Newsom filled her senate seat with Padilla. Padilla also serves as the state’s first Latino senator.
Leadership. Proud to see representation. It matters @AlexPadilla4CA !!! https://t.co/LFlSyULNGp
— Director Sandra MA ECE👩🏻🏫 (@TeacherSandra73) January 20, 2021
During the November 3 election, no candidate was able to secure a majority vote for either senator position in Georgia. The state hosted a high-coverage runoff election on January 5. Warnock was elected as the state’s junior senator that night and newswires announced Ossof’s win the next day, while rioters and insurrectionists attacked the U.S. Capitol Building.
SENATOR JON OSSOFF SENATOR RAPHAEL WARNOCK REEEE no but in all seriousness the country is healing
— rea (@halsteadiaz) January 20, 2021
Ossoff serves as the senior senator for Georgia and the state’s first Jewish senator. Warnock becomes Georgia’s first and the nation’s 11th Black senator.
A Black guy, a Jewish guy and a Hispanic guy walk into the Senate… and assume their rightful place among their colleagues. Congrats to US Senators, Warnock, Ossoff and Padilla! @ossoff @ReverendWarnock @AlexPadilla4CA
— Bryan Farris (@goinrogue) January 20, 2021
The U.S. Senate will soon vote on the impeachment of Former President Donald Trump, Biden’s nominations, and a COVID-19 plan, according to Schumer.
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