Marc Gerson, former majority tax counsel to the House of Representatives Committee on Ways and Means, was quoted on the significance of Senator Kyrsten Sinema's (I-AZ) decision not to seek re-election. Gerson says the impact of her departure will no doubt depend on the 2025 election. He didn't view her departure as having a direct impact on a specific issue as much as the larger issue over the chamber's political makeup. Without Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Sinema, Senate Democrats lose two voices willing to stick their necks out on tough votes or stand up to the administration. Sinema continued to caucus with the party after moving to be an independent and her influence was at its height when the Senate was evenly split. "It's all a numbers game," Gerson said. "When you are that swing vote, your priorities and your concerns need to be addressed."