News > ‘We May Not Have a Full Two Years’: Democrats’ Plans Hinge on Good Health

‘We May Not Have a Full Two Years’: Democrats’ Plans Hinge on Good Health

In the most extreme case, deaths could end Democrats’ ability to pass legislation without Republican support — or even flip control of either chamber. That’s more likely in the evenly divided Senate, where a single Democratic vacancy could hand Republicans committee gavels and the power to schedule votes until a Democratic successor was appointed or elected.

A serious illness could also upset the party’s delicate legislative arithmetic. “Schumer needs all 50 votes,” said Mr. Fallon.