Senators Strike Power-Sharing Deal

W A S H I N G T O N, Jan. 5 -- America’s two political parties agreed today on how to run a Senate divided 50-50 between Democrats andRepublicans for the first time.

Party leaders pushed the package through the Senatelate today. The procedures will affect the ease with whichPresident-elect George W. Bush’s agenda can move through the 107thCongress.

Among the new rules, every committee will have equal numbers ofmembers from both parties.

Announcing the agreement on the Senate floor, Democratic leaderTom Daschle said if the pact “is not miraculous, it is at the veryleast historic. It is also fair and reasonable.”

Weeks of Talks Pay Off

“I wouldn’t say this is my preferred result, but it is areasonable one, with a serious dose of reality,” said SenateRepublican leader Trent Lott.

The agreement was the product of weeks of negotiations betweenthe two men.

Having fought their way from a 54-46 Senate minority last yearto a 50-50 tie, Democrats have been demanding parity on committees,in hiring staff and on other matters.

But Republicans have insisted on having the upper hand, sincethey will control the chamber starting Jan. 20, when RepublicanDick Cheney will become vice president.

The deal reflected the political reality that even thoughRepublicans would have Cheney’s extra vote, Democrats have enoughvotes to halt the Senate’s work with procedural delays.

“We have work to do, and we need to do it now, not in a week ortwo or three or four,” Lott said.

The agreement was resisted for days by many conservativemembers, who were reluctant to cede power to Democrats at a timewhen the GOP will control the White House and both chambers ofCongress.

Republican Sen. Phil Gramm said he had “deep concerns aboutthis agreement and its workability,” but that he would support it.