Senator Daschle has already promised to challenge the president on appointments to the Supreme Court. In negotiations following Senator Jeffords' defection, Republicans tried to retain the power to push through the president's judicial nominations and threatened to filibuster, a debating tactic that could have tied up the Senate. But the Republicans finally conceded, after the effort fell apart largely due to lack of support from moderates in the party. As the majority party, the Democrats take over the chairmanship of each Senate committee. The chairman is responsible for running committee business, deciding what is to be discussed, when and for how long.
Some committees have a monitoring role while others have legislative powers.
The Democrats have been notably cool on some of President Bush's proposals. Contentious plans to build an anti-ballistic missile shield against attack by rogue states could be in doubt. President Bush could face a difficult ride on education policy too. Senator Ted Kennedy, a passionate and influential Democrat with friends in high places, is expected to take over the chairmanship of the education committee formerly headed by Mr Jeffords. It is a significant hindrance.