© 2026 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
DONATE
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

PBS News Hour

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.
Extras
Watch • 6:06
PBS News Hour
News Wrap: Smoke from wildfires leads to unsafe air quality
News Wrap: Smoke from wildfires leads to unsafe air quality in U.S.
Clip: S2026 E147 | 6:06
Watch • 57:46
PBS News Hour
July 17, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
July 17, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
Episode: S2026 E147 | 57:46
Watch • 9:19
PBS News Hour
Brooks and Capehart on Trump's election claims
Brooks and Capehart on what Trump is trying to accomplish with his election claims
Clip: S2026 E147 | 9:19
Watch • 5:10
PBS News Hour
World Cup brings Gazans moments of hope amid devastation
World Cup brings Gazans moments of joy and hope amid devastation
Clip: S2026 E147 | 5:10
Watch • 7:33
PBS News Hour
State officials on Trump's efforts to reshape elections
Battleground state election officials respond to Trump's efforts to reshape voting process
Clip: S2026 E147 | 7:33
Watch • 6:48
PBS News Hour
Former intelligence official on Trump's election allegations
Former intelligence official weighs Trump's election security allegations
Clip: S2026 E147 | 6:48
Watch • 5:37
PBS News Hour
Documents fail to back up Trump's election claims
Trump tries to undermine trust in elections, but documents don't support his claims
Clip: S2026 E147 | 5:37
Watch • 4:29
PBS News Hour
The role of conspiracy theories in the American Revolution
The surprising role of conspiracy theories in the American Revolution
Clip: S2026 E147 | 4:29
Watch • 7:23
PBS News Hour
Why the ancient story of ‘The Odyssey’ still resonates today
Why the ancient story of ‘The Odyssey’ still resonates today
Clip: S2026 E147 | 7:23
Watch • 57:46
PBS News Hour
July 16, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
July 16, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
Episode: S2026 E146 | 57:46