Politico: Jones sworn in, and Democrats rejoice

Democrat Doug Jones was formally sworn in as the newest senator from Alabama on Wednesday, narrowing the Senate GOP’s already-slender majority and complicating the outlook for the Republican agenda ahead of the mid-term elections.

Republicans now control a 51-49 majority, making it easier for Democrats to block President Donald Trump’s nominees and filibuster his legislative proposals. The one-seat pick-up also boosts the once-slim prospects of Democrats regaining the Senate majority in a year when they’re battling to retain seats in mostly conservative terrain.