Senate Republicans reached a 53-member majority Tuesday when John Husted, R-Ohio, and Ashley Moody, R-Fla., took their seats, a development that could boost President-elect Donald Trump’s agenda amid strong support among GOP voters, The Hill reported.
Senate Republicans solidified their ranks Tuesday as John Husted, R-Ohio, and Ashley Moody, R-Fla., were sworn into office by Vice President J.D. Vance. Their arrival ended several weeks of delay in the upper chamber and secured the GOP’s full 53-seat majority.
"Both our new senators bring valuable experience, expertise, and perspective to the Senate Republican majority, and the whole Senate will benefit from them joining our ranks," Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said to open the Senate floor. "I look forward to working with them."
Husted, formerly Ohio’s lieutenant governor, was chosen by Gov. Mike DeWine (R) to fill the vacancy left by Vance, who resigned his Senate seat on Jan. 10.
Moody was selected by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) last week to fill the seat vacated by then-Senator Marco Rubio, who became secretary of state after unanimous confirmation. Rubio’s departure and the delayed swearing-in of Jim Justice, R-W.Va., briefly stalled the full Republican majority.
The GOP now holds both chambers of Congress, creating a unified front that could help advance President-elect Donald Trump’s priorities. NBC News reported that leaders on Capitol Hill have expressed confidence that Trump’s plans for immigration, domestic energy, and tax changes can move forward along party lines, particularly if Republicans leverage a budget process that allows them to bypass filibusters.
According to recent polls, Trump’s proposals continue to draw strong approval among voters, which may bolster support for his agenda.
This favorable environment could enable Senate Republicans to pass legislation with limited Democratic input. However, the tight margins in the House and the complexities of Senate procedure mean that party unity will be paramount.
With Republicans controlling Congress and President Trump in the White House, GOP leaders are expected to guide policy more decisively than ever since 2017 to 2019, the last period the party held a trifecta.
Jim Thomas ✉
Jim Thomas is a writer based in Indiana. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science, a law degree from U.I.C. Law School, and has practiced law for more than 20 years.
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