The math for accomplishing anything inside the Senate just got harder with the death Monday of New Jersey Democrat Frank Lautenberg.
Senate rules require a 60-vote super majority to consider a measure on the floor. The Democratic caucus slipped from 55 to 54—including two independents—with the passing of the 89-year old Lautenberg from viral pneumonia after months of health difficulties.
Lautenberg’s passing is the end of an era for lawmaker devoted to protecting the environment and public health. It also has significant political aftershocks.
Losing a single Democratic vote will make it hard to achieve some of the big agenda items on the Senate’s plate, including an immigration overhaul announced earlier this year that one of its champions—Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL)—is now trying to amend with tougher border security standards.
Without those 60 votes, legislation gets stopped in its tracks. The presence of an additional Senate Republican could rejigger budget and debt ceiling negotiations later this year.
Lautenberg’s health complications earlier this year, largely stemming from a previous bout with stomach cancer, caused him to miss time on Capitol Hill. He returned in April to vote in support of an ill-fated gun control measure that failed to crack the super majority, failing by a 54-46 vote.
Republican New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie gets to appointment a temporary replacement. Lautenberg was already set to retire after the 2014 election—with Newark Mayor Cory Booker—the odds on favorite to replace him. Lautenberg served six terms in the Senate and was the last World War II veteran elected to the chamber.
The governor can schedule a special election for November 5 to elect another senator, although Christie also appears under the authority of New Jersey law to call for a special election.
Because of Senate rules, it has become necessary to receive 60 votes in the chamber before any measure can be considered. The passing on Monday on the 89-year old senator enables Republicans one of their own to the chamber, since New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie gets to make the appointment.