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What happens if the Senate is tied?

Season 2014 Episode 3070 | 1m 30s

Republicans need six seats to claim the Senate majority. If they win five, the Senate will be tied for only the fourth time in history. While Vice President Joe Biden can break the tie, his vote might not be enough to move bills past a filibuster. NewsHour’s political reporter Lisa Desjardins digs into past tied sessions and breaks down the numbers the Senate needs to pass legislation.

Major corporate funding for the PBS News Hour is provided by BDO, BNSF, Consumer Cellular, American Cruise Lines, and Raymond James. Funding for the PBS NewsHour Weekend is provided by Consumer Cellular and Cunard Cruise Line. For a complete list of funders for the PBS NewsHour and PBS NewsHour weekend, click here.
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