Record-breaking Vice President in tie-breaking votes
| Political |
Updated By: History Editorial Network (HEN)
Published:
5 min read
Kamala Harris, serving as the Vice President of the United States, reached a milestone when she cast her 31st tie-breaking vote in the Senate. This vote set a new record for the most tie-breaking votes by any Vice President in American history, surpassing the previous record held by John C. Calhoun, who served from 1825 to 1832.
The context leading to this milestone involves the Senate's current political landscape, characterized by a narrow partisan split. As President of the Senate, the Vice President's role includes casting tie-breaking votes when the Senate is deadlocked at 50-50. The increasing frequency of such votes highlights the contentious and closely divided nature of contemporary legislative processes.
Harris's record-breaking vote came during the decision on a key piece of legislation concerning healthcare reform. The legislation aimed to expand access to affordable healthcare services, an issue that deeply polarized political parties. Her tie-breaking vote was crucial in moving the bill forward, underscoring the significant influence the Vice President holds in legislative affairs under such a divided Senate.
Historically, the tie-breaking vote function of the Vice President is a constitutional provision first invoked by John Adams in 1790. Over the years, various Vice Presidents have used this power to shape landmark decisions in American governance. Kamala Harris's consistent involvement in tie-breaking votes reflects the modern era's heightened partisanship and the pivotal role the Vice Presidency plays in legislative outcomes.
The broader impact of Harris's tie-breaking record is multifaceted. It underscores the evolving nature of the Vice Presidency, shifting from a largely ceremonial role to one of substantial legislative influence. Moreover, it shapes the narrative of Harris's tenure, marking her as a proactive and influential Vice President. Additionally, the healthcare legislation in question, bolstered by her deciding vote, is likely to affect millions, demonstrating the tangible effects of her role in shaping policy.
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Primary Reference: Votes to Break Ties in the Senate - U.S. Senate

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