United States Vice-President Kamala Harris has achieved a historic milestone by equaling a 101-year-old record in US history. She joined the ranks of vice-presidents who have cast tie-breaking votes. In her most recent action, Harris supported the nomination of Kalpana Kotagal, an individual of Indian origin, to become a member of a federal agency.

Vice President Kamala Harris, who made history as the first woman of color to hold the position in 2020, has now matched a record held by Senator John C. Calhoun from 1825 to 1832. Calhoun, a Democratic-Republican vice president under John Quincy Adams and Andrew Jackson, previously held the record for casting the most tie-breaking votes during his tenure.

Vice President Harris exercised her voting power in support of the nomination of Kalpana Kotagal to become a member of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. This commission is responsible for enforcing federal laws that prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information in the workplace.

The Senate faced a deadlock on the nomination of Kotagal, resulting in a 50-50 tie. Vice President Harris's tie-breaking vote marked the 31st instance where she has exercised this power. This achievement matches the record previously set by Senator Calhoun, who was notably known for his support of states' rights and slavery.

As per the constitutional role of the US vice president, they preside over the Senate and have the authority to break ties in the event of a deadlock. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer acknowledged Vice President Harris's accomplishment during a session on the evening of July 12.

“I want to note that this is a history-making moment for the United States Senate,” he was quoted as saying by the Hill newspaper.

“When it’s mattered most, Vice President Harris has provided the decisive vote on some of the most historic bills of modern times, from the American Rescue Plan to the Inflation Reduction Act to so many federal judges who now preside and provide balance on the federal bench. She’s carried out her duties with supreme excellence,” he added.

In a previous tie-breaking vote on June 21, Vice President Harris played a pivotal role in breaking a 50-50 tie regarding the advancement of Natasha Marle's nomination as a judge for the Eastern District of New York. Another significant tie-breaking vote followed where there was a 48-48 tie on the confirmation of Araceli Martinez-Olguin as a judge for the North District of California.

During Vice President Harris's initial two years in office, the Senate was evenly split, effectively earning her the nickname "101st Senator." Just three weeks into her tenure, she cast her first tie-breaking votes in February 2021. In her first year, she cast a total of fifteen tie-breaking votes, surpassing her predecessor, former Vice President Mike Pence, who cast 13 tie-breaking votes throughout his entire four-year term.

Image source: Tribune India