U.S. Senate leaders failed on Jan. 19 to reach an agreement on sharing power in the upper congressional chamber and will continue negotiating as the body officially becomes split 50–50.
A key issue in negotiations is the filibuster. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) is trying to ensure the preservation of the rule, which requires 60 votes to end debate on issues, through the next two years. He pressed his case while meeting with Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.).
