Vice President Kamala Harris has tied the record for the most tiebreaking votes in the Senate, matching the record set by John C. Calhoun nearly 200 years ago. Harris cast her 31st tiebreaking vote to invoke cloture on the nomination of Kalpana Kotagal to join the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Reflecting on this achievement, Harris expressed gratitude and optimism, stating, It’s a good feeling… I may be first to do many things. I’m going to make sure I’m not the last.
The record held by Calhoun since his term as vice president from 1825 to 1832 has endured for centuries. However, Harris was able to achieve this feat relatively quickly due to the 50-50 split in the Senate during her first two years in office, followed by a technically 51-49 Democratic majority that has faced challenges with absences and defections.
As the president of the Senate, vice presidents have the authority to cast tiebreaking votes when the Senate is deadlocked. This historical occurrence has happened less than 300 times in the nation’s history. Notably, Joe Biden and Dan Quayle never cast a tiebreaking vote during their vice presidencies. In contrast, Harris has cast so many tiebreaking votes that some believe it distracts her from her other responsibilities.
Harris’s tiebreaking votes have included crucial decisions such as approving the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan stimulus package and the $891 billion Inflation Reduction Act. On May 11, 2022, she cast a record-breaking four tiebreaking votes in a single day. In addition to her role as a tiebreaker, Harris’s visibility has been heightened as she would assume the presidency if President Biden, who is currently 80 years old, is unable to complete a first or second term.
While Harris has made history with her tiebreaking votes, she remains focused on the progress that still needs to be made. Embracing the significance of being a trailblazer, she stated her determination to ensure that she is not the last, echoing the advice her mother gave her.
As Harris continues her tenure, she will have the opportunity to break Calhoun’s longstanding record and forge her own path in the annals of American history. Despite the challenges and commitments tied to her vice presidency, Harris remains committed to making a lasting impact and paving the way for future generations.
