With the swearing-in of new Democratic Senators Jon Ossoff (L) and Raphael Warnock (R) of Georgia, the Democrats now control the US Senate, with the body deadlocked at 50-50, and Vice President Kamala Harris acting as the tie-breaker. ©AFP/File JIM WATSON 

Washington (AFP) – Two Georgia Democrats were sworn in as the newest members of the US Senate on Wednesday, handing their party control of the upper chamber just hours after President Joe Biden took office.

With Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock — who ousted two Republicans in a pair of January 5 run-offs — being formally seated, the body now stands deadlocked at 50-50.

That means Democrats control the chamber because new Vice President Kamala Harris acts as the tie-breaking vote.

Harris, herself a former senator from California, presided over Wednesday afternoon’s session just hours after becoming vice president, and swore in the two Georgia men and her own replacement, Alex Padilla.

By flipping the Senate, Democrats now control all levels of power in Washington, providing Biden with a golden opportunity to push through some of his key legislative priorities including a $1.9 trillion relief package to help American families and businesses devastated by the coronavirus pandemic.

Disclaimer: Validity of the above story is for 7 Days from original date of publishing. Source: AFP.