By: Brady Noble

The United States Senate is clearly divided over the issue of climate change. There is a wide spectrum of perspectives, from anti-climate change sentiments to others who see it as a top priority. As the substantive debate occurred , it became clear that Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has been involved in misconduct. Eventually, both sides came to a consensus that , that he should be removed as Senate Majority Leader. Senators Johnny Isakson (R-GA) and Mike Lee (R-UT) spoke in favor of the removal. On the opposing side, Senator McConnell represented himself on the Senate floor. In addition, he was supported by Senator Shelley Capito (R-WV), who spoke on his behalf. Eventually, the former prevailed, and Mitch McConnell was removed as Senate Majority Leader.

With McConnell’s removal established, it was then time to consider nominations for a new Senate Majority Leader. Republican Senators were asked to nominate who they wanted to be McConnell’s successor. Eventually, 4 nominations were made: Mike Lee, Richard Shelby (R-AL), Johnny Isakson and Pat Roberts (R-KS). Three out of the four senators gained the 1/5th vote needed to continue into voting. Richard Shelby did not attain this quota, and thus was dropped from consideration. On the Democratic side, Bernie Sanders (D-VT) was elected Senate Minority Leader, and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) was named to be the Senate Minority Whip.

After the voting ended, debate continued on the issue of climate change, where the partisanship was more evident than ever.