Doug Jones

It should be right away, as he is filling a seat vacated by the appointment of the previous incumbent to another office. I believe they are in session now. At any event, no later than January 3rd. He may not be seated until then, as the state has to certify his election, which could take some time. The XXth amendment, ratified in 1933 set January 3rd for the new Congress to be seated, and January 20th as inauguration day for the Prez and VP, to reduce the time that lame ducks could play around with legislation and policy.

Setanta-

Thank you.

As to the State certifying the election, I believe the State officials would be Republican. If Mr. Jones is seated immediately, presumably he would vote against the tax bill.

Setanta-

I don't see anything in the Constitution that limits how much time the Senate has to vote on the compromise bill drawn from the House and Senate versions.