Dateline: 06/06/01

The U.S. Senate began an unprecedented process of turning its political-self inside out yesterday as Democrats replaced Republicans in the body's majority leadership posts and all but one committee chairmanships.

For the first time in its history, the Senate has undergone a shift in political power caused not by an election, but by a defection. When Vermont Sen. James Jeffords officially left the Republican Party yesterday to become an independent, Senate Democrats gained a 50-49 voting majority that necessitates changes in both leadership positions and committee chairmanships.

In the opening round, Democratic Sen. Tom Daschle of South Dakota replaced Mississippi Republican Sen. Trent Lott as Senate Majority Leader. Lott now takes over as Senate Minority Leader, the post formerly held by Sen. Daschle. There is no pay raise or cut involved. Both leadership spots pay $161,200 per year compared to $145.100 for other Senators. [See: Salaries and Benefits of US Congress Members] 

On of Sen. Daschle's first jobs as Majority Leader will come on Wednesday when he introduces a resolution naming 83-year old Democratic Sen. Robert Byrd of West Virginia to replace 98-year old Republican Sen. Strom Thurmond of South Carolina as the Senate's president pro tem.

While his or her actual duties are mainly ceremonial, the president pro tem stands third in line of presidential succession, following Vice President Richard Cheney and Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert.

As Majority Leader, Sen. Daschle sets the Senate agenda and decides when bills and resolutions will be debated and voted on by the full Senate. Daschle has stated that he would first see that the Senate continues consideration of its version of the education bill, S. 1 - the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. 

Daschle hopes to swiftly move the Senate into consideration of a patients bill of rights, a bill increasing the minimum wage and a bill providing a prescription drug benefit for persons covered by Medicare. President Bush's missile defense and business tax break programs will now move to the back pages of the Senate's legislative calendar.

Democrats will also take over the chairmanships of all but one of the 20 permanent Senate Committees.

Republican Senators have expressed concerns that Democratic committee chairmen may now attempt to block President Bush's nominees for federal judgeships. [See: Senate Reorganization Could Get Ugly]

The only committee not overseen by a Democrat will be the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee to be chaired by none other than Sen. James Jeffords, an independent.

Speaking of chairs, Sen. Jeffords' chair and desk on the floor of the Senate were physically moved from their old location on the Republican side of the isle, to a new spot the Democratic side. There is no independent side.