Article snippet: Democrats are hailing Doug Jones’ victory as a moral triumph not just for Alabama but for the entire country. His election is a political shot in the arm for Democrats who believed the Senate seat in ruby-red Alabama was unattainable — a referendum on GOP candidate Donald Trump, who endorsed Moore. While his election has powerful political repercussions, Jones’ becoming the 47th Senate Democrat (two independents caucus with the Democrats) will likely have only a modest impact on Republicans’ ability to accomplish their legislative goals, although his joining the Senate will be a strong catalyst for Republicans to finish their major agenda items before he is sworn in. The biggest difference that Jones can make, in terms of Senate votes, is on bills and nominations requiring only a simple majority of 51 votes, like budget-related measures and judicial nominees. On taxes, Jones’ victory could vex Republicans’ count if he is sworn in before Congress sends its bill to Trump’s desk. Jones is expected to be sworn no sooner than Dec. 27, and GOP leaders insist they will have the bill done by Christmas. But if they fail to advance the bill before Jones is seated, Republicans can afford to lose only one of their 51 votes in the Senate and still pass the bill on a party-line vote, with Vice President Mike Pence acting as a tie breaker. House and Senate Republicans are working in a conference committee to merge their versions of the tax bill into a conference... Link to the full article to read more