Governing Under an Equally Divided Senate

After the election of two Democratic Senate candidates in the Georgia runoff elections on January 5, 2021, the Senate this year will be equally divided between 50 Democratic Senators (and those caucusing with them) and 50 Republican Senators. Governing in an equally divided Senate presents several challenges regarding the internal rules of the Senate, the makeup and control of committees, and the control of Senate business, including both legislation and the consideration and approval of nominations. In this alert, we look at the applicable principles and historical precedents concerning an equally divided Senate, and consider the implications for governing in the coming congressional term.