NewFlector has an observation – I don’t know if it’s correct – on how to take power away from Senator McConnell (R-KY), aka Senator No:
Even if the Democrats don’t win control of the Senate, there is a way to strip Mitch McConnell of his power for good: priority recognition.
According to Article I, Section 3, Clause 4 of the Constitution, the Vice President is also the President of the Senate. The Majority Leader is not a position that exists anywhere in the Constitution. The reason that the Majority Leader has near-dictatorial powers to control floor votes is because of a tradition that dates back to 1937. The tradition is that the Vice President gives the floor leaders priority recognition. Most notably, this is not a rule in the Senate.
As President of the Senate, Vice President Harris could give any senator priority recognition. That senator could then decide on all legislation that is brought before the entire Senate. Even with a minority in the Senate, Vice President Harris could simply give Chuck Schumer priority recognition. He could decide what is voted on and what isn’t.
Like I said, I don’t know if this is true, or if VP-elect Harris would do it. But to inflict this humiliation upon Senator McConnell, who is accustomed to holding power in the Senate due to this tradition, would certain bring on some schadenfreude. At least, for me.
