Byrd’s Death Threatens Democrats' Agenda

Sen. Robert Byrd’s (D-W.V.) death will likely imperil several important pieces of legislation on the Democrats’ agenda.

Most pressing is Wall Street Reform, which was initially expected to arrive on the President’s desk before Congress leaves for the July 4^th recess. However, Sen. Scott Brown (R-Mass.), expected to be the sole Republican vote in favor of overhauling the nation’s financial regulatory system, wavered in his support after the conference committee added a tax on banks to offset the bill’s $19 billion price tag. Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) and Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) removed the tax, but Brown has still not committed to voting for the bill.

 Now, with the loss of Byrd, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) will need to secure the support of two Republicans in order to provide the 60 votes needed to sidestep a filibuster, a difficult task in such a partisan political environment where every vote counts.

 Reid’s attempt to pass an extension for unemployment benefits has hit a similar snag.

“If we had Senator Byrd’s replacement we would have 60,” Reid said during a press conference Wednesday. Reid added that he has the support of two unnamed Republicans, but is seeking one more.

The push for an energy bill could also be hindered by the loss of West Virginia Democrat. Byrd heralded from a state that is economically dependant on the coal industry, but was nevertheless considered a guaranteed yes vote. Byrd’s eventual replacement will likely be less comfortable with current forms of the legislation, especially if it runs the risk of harming the state’s coal workers.

Attempts to rally Republican support for an energy bill have thus far fallen flat. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) initially helped craft legislation with Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) and Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.), but dropped his support. Gaining two Republicans or convincing Byrd’s replacement to back the bill will likely prompt Democrats to proceed with weakened provisions.

Byrd, who died early Monday morning, was the longest serving member of Congress in U.S. history. West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin (D) will appoint a replacement to fill the rest of Byrd’s term.