Q: If Donald Trump dies of COVID-19 and Mike Pence is made president, then who breaks ties in the Senate? B.S., Chelsea, MI

A: Nobody. If a measure does not get a majority, it fails, whether a VP is available to break ties or not. In other words, when the vice presidency is vacant, there is no tiebreaking vote.

He can't be President and VP at the same time.

So he can't break ties.

And since the House and Senate have to approve a new VP nomination, the office is likely to be vacant until January 20.

Cheers,
Scott.