May 25, 2001
Jeffords Leaves GOP, Alters Balance of Power in Senate
Senator James Jeffords (I-Vt.) announced May 24 his intention to leave the Republican party and declare himself an Independent. Sen. Jeffords will caucus with the Democrats, effectively giving Democrats control of the Senate by a margin of 51-49. In his announcement, Sen. Jeffords noted his intention to make the move effective after the conference report on the President's tax cut proposal is completed. This move dissolves the power-sharing agreement reached by Senate leaders at the beginning of the 107th Congress and would require a new organizing resolution. Democrats are reportedly looking to gain one-seat majorities on each committee.
Of immediate impact to medical schools and teaching hospitals would be the shake-up of committee chairmen. Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.) is expected to take over as chairman of the Finance Committee, Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) is in line to chair the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) would assume control of the Labor-HHS Appropriations Subcommittee, and Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.) would become chair of the VA-HUD Appropriations Subcommittee. Sen. Tom Daschle (D-S.D.) would become the Senate Majority Leader.
The tax cut proposal, as passed by the Senate by a 62-38 vote on May 23, includes provisions related to the student loan interest deduction and the National Health Service Corps scholarship tax exemption [See Washington Highlights, May 18]. The proposal now heads for a conference committee where legislators will attempt to reach a compromise between the House and Senate versions.
Information: Jonathan Fishburn, AAMC Office of Governmental Relations, 202-828-0525.
