Democrats assume control of Senate, but provide GOP role

Senate Democrats formally took control of the chamber as the House and Senate reconstituted themselves Wednesday, although Senate leaders still have not reached a long-term solution for how the equally divided chamber will function.

New Majority Leader Tom Daschle, D-S.D., was recognized by that title for the first time by Vice President Al Gore, who suffered a bitter defeat in the presidential election and presided Wednesday in the chamber.

"Let us resolve that we will work in good faith with each other to do the people's business," Daschle said.

The Senate then passed a series of procedural resolutions, including one naming 12 Democrats to chair Senate committees until Jan. 20, and another naming 12 Republicans to chair committees afterward.

Senate Democratic Policy Committee Chairman Byron Dorgan, of North Dakota, said that the resolution was just a placeholder, and not an indication that Republicans and Democrats had reached a broader compromise on committee ratios or other power sharing arrangements.

Republicans will regain their majority status on Jan. 20, when Vice President-elect Cheney will have the authority to cast tie-breaking votes.

New Senate Minority Leader Lott said later he and Daschle had agreed that Republicans will exclusively hold committee chairmanships during the period after Jan. 20, saying, "That has been resolved."

A Daschle spokeswoman acknowledged that Republicans will chair committees at that time, but also said a subsequent resolution dealing with the organization of the Senate could supersede the agreement.

Until Lott and Daschle can reach a wider agreement, no new members can be named to committees, which will function with members still serving from the last Congress. Some panels, such as the Budget and Judiciary Committees, now are equally divided because of defeats and retirements.

There were other gestures of the mutual desire to work together. The Senate by unanimous consent swore in Sen. Robert Byrd of West Virginia, the most senior Democrat, as president pro tempore for the period until Jan. 20, and Sen. Strom Thurmond of South Carolina, the senior Republican, for the period afterward. And Daschle gently referred to Lott as the "Republican leader," rather using the term "minority."

Acknowledging the humor in his brief stint in charge, Daschle told his colleagues, "I assure you I intend to savor every one of the next 17 days."

Lott also offered assurances of cooperation, although he conceded when Gore referred to him as "minority leader" that, "While it beats certain alternatives, I like the other title better."

Lott said negotiations would continue with Daschle on the new Senate. Meanwhile, he said, several committees could proceed with Cabinet nominations at their own pace. He mentioned hearings on nominees for secretary of Commerce, set to begin Thursday, as well as for secretaries of State, Defense, and the OMB director as those that could commence soon.