What strategies might Kamala Harris use to navigate the Senate's approval process?
Kamala Harris will likely need to employ several key strategies to navigate the Senate approval process for her economic agenda if Republicans maintain control of the chamber after the 2024 elections:
Bipartisan Compromise
- Harris will need to find common ground with Republicans on certain issues and be willing to compromise to get legislation passed. This may require scaling back some of her more progressive proposals to gain moderate support.
- She could focus on areas of agreement like infrastructure investment and supporting small businesses. Bipartisan cooperation will be essential to advance her agenda.
Targeted Tax Reforms
- With the expiration of individual tax cuts from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Harris will need to carefully craft her tax proposals to gain Senate approval.
- Rather than across-the-board increases, she may target specific reforms like raising taxes on the wealthiest individuals and corporations while preserving cuts for middle and lower-income Americans. This targeted approach could attract some Republican support.
Emphasizing Economic Growth
- Harris will likely emphasize how her economic policies will boost economic growth, create jobs, and support the middle class. Framing her agenda as pro-growth and pro-worker could help sway moderate Republicans.
- She may point to the success of Biden administration initiatives like the CHIPS Act and Inflation Reduction Act as models for bipartisan economic legislation.
Leveraging the Bully Pulpit
- As president, Harris will have the bully pulpit to pressure Congress and build public support for her economic plans. Campaigning in key states and districts could help influence Senators.
- Highlighting the real-world impacts of her proposals on families and businesses could help generate grassroots pressure on lawmakers to cooperate.