Harris Matches Calhoun's Historic Senate Tie-Breaking Record

Vice President Kamala Harris has tied the 191-year-old record set by John C. Calhoun for casting tie-breaking votes in the Senate. Harris's 31st tie-breaker vote came in favor of ending debate on the nomination of Kalpana Kotagal to be a member of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Her tie-breaking ability has been crucial for Democrats in passing priority legislation, including COVID-19 relief measures. While Harris needs one more vote to break the overall record, she already holds records for most tie-breaking votes in a single day and most votes cast in the first year of a vice presidency.