WASHINGTON: In a remarkable achievement, Kamala Harris has made history by matching a record that stood for 191 years. As Vice President, she has cast tie-breaking votes, just like Senator John C. Calhoun did during his tenure as Vice President to John Quincy Adams and Andrew Jackson from 1825 to 1832.

On July 12, Kamala Harris, aged 58, exercised her vote on cloture for the nomination of Kalpana Kotagal, an expert in diversity, equity, and inclusion, to serve as a member of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. This federal agency is responsible for enforcing laws that prohibit discrimination based on various factors such as race, religion, sex, age, disability, and national origin.

With this recent vote, Harris has reached a total of 31 tie-breaking votes since assuming office, matching the record set by Calhoun. Notably, this record stands as a testament to her influence and the pivotal role she plays as Vice President.

The Constitution designates the Vice President as the presiding officer of the Senate, and in the event of a tie, they have the authority to break it. In the current 118th Congress, Democrats hold 51 seats, while Republicans have 49 seats.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer applauded Harris's extraordinary achievement during a session on July 12. He emphasized the significance of this moment in the history of the United States Senate, recognizing the Vice President's decisive role in passing critical legislation and appointing federal judges.

In her capacity as Vice President, Harris has already made several historic tie-breaking votes on important bills, such as the American Rescue Plan and the Inflation Reduction Act, along with the confirmation of numerous federal judges. Her commitment and expertise have been instrumental in maintaining balance within the federal judiciary.

In addition to her recent vote, Harris had previously broken a 50-50 tie on June 21 to advance Natasha Merle's nomination as a Judge for the Eastern District of New York. She also played a crucial role in confirming Araceli Martinez-Olguin as a Judge for the North District of California in another tight 48-48 vote.

During her initial two years in office, the Senate was evenly divided, earning Harris the nickname "101st Senator." She wasted no time in exercising her tie-breaking authority, casting her first tie-breaking vote just three weeks into her vice presidency in February 2021. Remarkably, she surpassed the record previously held by Mike Pence, who had cast 13 tie-breaking votes throughout his entire vice presidential term.

Kalpana Kotagal, the nominee supported by Harris, brings her own distinguished background to the position. As a partner at Cohen Milstein and a prominent member of the firm's Civil Rights and Employment practice group, she has championed diversity, equity, and inclusion. She is renowned for co-authoring the influential legal template known as the 'Inclusion Rider.'

Kotagal's expertise lies in representing marginalized individuals in employment and civil rights litigation. Her areas of focus include Title VII, the Equal Pay Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and the Fair Labor Standards Act. Her appointment to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission aligns with the White House's commitment to fostering a fair and inclusive society.

Kamala Harris's background is also noteworthy. Born to a Jamaican father and an Indian mother named Shyamala Gopalan, who pursued further studies in the United States, she carries a multicultural heritage. Her mother, a breast cancer researcher from Chennai, India, passed away in 2009, while her father, Donald Harris, is a Jamaican American economics professor.

Through her impactful tie-breaking votes and dedication to inclusive governance, Kamala Harris continues to leave an indelible mark on the history of the United States Senate. Her ability to break the mold and make a difference stands as an inspiration to future leaders and a testament to the power of diversity and representation in public office.

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