Sinema Goes Indy – Sen. Krysten Sinema (pictured), formerly (D-AZ) is now Sen. Krysten Sinema (I-AZ) thus bringing the formal Democratic-to-Republican ratio down. Technically, the count is now 48 Democrats to 49 Republicans, with Sinema joining Sens. Angus King, of Maine, and Bernie Sanders, of Vermont, as registered independents.
However … King and Sanders caucus with Democrats, which gave the president’s party a 51-49 majority after Sen. Raphael Warnock’s re-election victory in Georgia December 6, but before Sinema’s announcement. Sinema told CNN she will not caucus with the Republicans, though her shift will affect negotiations between Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Republicans over makeup of the committees. According to The Washington Post, Sinema has voted with President Biden 90% of the time.
Quote: “Registering as an independent and showing up to work with the title of independent is a reflection of who I’ve always been and it’s a reflection of who Arizona is. We don’t line up to do what we’re told. We do what’s right for our state and our country. I’m going to be the same person I’ve always been.” – Sinema in a video announcing her departure from the Democratic Party.
Assignments: Sinema sits on four Senate committees; Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs, Banking, Housing & Urban Affairs, Commerce, Science & Transportation, and Veterans’ Affairs.
•••
January 6 Panel’s Due Dates – Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-SC), says the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol will release its final report Wednesday, December 21. The panel has scheduled 1 p.m. Sunday, December 11, to discuss criminal referrals to the Department of Justice.
--Compiled and edited by Todd Lassa