Hello John,
Kamala Harris executed her first act as vice president last week, swearing in three new senators in her new role presiding over the upper chamber of Congress. As the New York Times reported, “Ms. Harris was visibly amused as she announced that she would swear in Alex Padilla ‘to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Senator Kamala D. Harris of California.'”
We hope this is the first of many ways that Harris will use her power in the Senate as VP -- especially with a 50/50 party split in the chamber. But there have been whispers that using her tie-breaking vote could provide “fodder” for Republican opponents and impact Harris's prospects for 2024.
Meanwhile, Mike Pence cast more tie-breaking votes than any vice president in modern history, including votes to repeal the Affordable Care Act and confirm Betsy DeVos.
We don't think a gendered double-standard should keep Kamala Harris from exercising her right to break legislative ties in the Senate. But today, we need to know where our supporters stand. Please, tell us now:
Should Kamala Harris use her tie-breaking vote?
Thank you for taking today's live poll.
A Woman's Place
