Senate Approves Power-Sharing Plan to Govern 50-50 Senate

The U.S. Senate approved a two-year power sharing deal negotiated by top leaders of both parties that gives Democrats committee chairmanships and sets other ground rules, allowing the chamber to begin fully functioning after weeks of procedural limbo.

The agreement approved by unanimous consent Wednesday is based on a 2001 deal reached the last time the 100-member chamber was divided 50-50. The accord allows the same number of Republicans and Democrats on committees and gives each party an even split of panel budgets. Democrats, though, will control committee gavels and Majority Leader Chuck Schumer will set the agenda on the ...