Kamala Harris matches 101-year-old US Senate record with tie-breaking votes

In a historic moment for the United States Senate, Vice President Kamala Harris has matched a 101-year-old record held by Senator John C. Calhoun by casting tie-breaking votes in her capacity as Vice President of the United States.

The record was achieved as Harris backed the nomination of Kalpana Kotagal, an individual of Indian origin, for membership in a federal agency. Senator Calhoun, a Democratic-Republican, served as Vice President to both John Quincy Adams and Andrew Jackson from 1825 to 1832.

Acknowledging this significant milestone, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer praised Vice President Harris for her pivotal role in passing several historic bills and for her dedication to her duties.

Schumer emphasized Harris's crucial tie-breaking votes on landmark legislation such as the American Rescue Plan, the Inflation Reduction Act, and her support for numerous federal judges who now serve as a balancing force on the federal bench.

Vice President Kamala Harris made history in 2020 when she became the first woman of color to hold the office of Vice President in the United States. Since then, she has continued to make an impact through her role in the Senate, using her power to break ties in favor of important nominations and legislation.

The most recent tie-breaking vote occurred during the nomination process for Kalpana Kotagal to become a member of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. This federal agency is responsible for enforcing laws that prohibit discrimination against job applicants based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability.

With the Senate deadlocked at a 50-50 tie, Vice President Harris's vote tipped the balance, bringing her total number of tie-breaking votes to 31.