K. Harris Gets Golden Gavel for Tie-Breaking Votes
Vice President Kamala Harris has made history once again, this time as the first vice president to break the record for the number of tie-breaking votes in the Senate. In recognition of her achievement, Harris was awarded a golden gavel by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer on Tuesday.
The vice president’s record-breaking 32nd tie-breaking vote was cast in support of Loren Ali Khan’s confirmation as a U.S. District Court judge. This milestone comes just six months after Harris tied the record of former Vice President John C. Calhoun, who served from 1825 to 1832.
A spokesperson for the White House praised Harris for her crucial role in advancing the Biden-Harris agenda through her tie-breaking votes. They noted that her votes have helped deliver much-needed relief for American families, create jobs, and support small businesses across the country.
“The vice president’s tie-breaking votes have been consequential in moving the Biden-Harris agenda forward over the last three years,” the spokesperson said. “These tie-breaking votes have helped deliver for the American people by lowering costs for American families, creating good-paying jobs in local communities, and providing economic relief for small businesses across the country.”
Chuck Schumer presents a “golden gavel” to Kamala Harris pic.twitter.com/65XSRnvHOF
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) December 5, 2023
Senate Majority Leader Schumer also celebrated Harris’ achievement, stating that her record-breaking number of tie-breaking votes was not just a milestone in terms of numbers, but also a testament to what she has been able to accomplish through her votes.
“The record Vice President Harris sets today is significant not only because of the number but also because of what she has made possible,” Schumer said.
Harris’ 31st tie-breaking vote was cast in July in support of advancing President Biden’s nomination of Kalpana Kotagal to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Harris, who also serves as the president of the Senate, can only cast a vote in the event of a tie, as stated in the U.S. Constitution.
Since the first tie-breaking vote in 1789, there have been a total of 300 tie-breaking votes cast by a vice president in U.S. history. Harris’ record-breaking number of tie-breaking votes serves as a testament to her pivotal role in the Biden-Harris administration and her dedication to advancing their agenda.
As the first female, Black, and South Asian vice president, Harris has continuously broken barriers and shattered glass ceilings throughout her career. Along with her numerous achievements, Harris’ record-breaking number of tie-breaking votes further solidifies her place in history and highlights the impact of her leadership in the Senate.