US President Joe Biden (79) will face opposition from Congress in the second half of his term. The Republicans won a narrow majority in the House of Representatives, American television stations and the AP news agency reported Thursday evening based on counted votes and forecasts. This allows them to block White House legislative initiatives and scrutinize Biden and his policies.
At the same time, in last week’s midterm elections, Americans in many cases preferred the Democrats, especially over the radical Republicans supported by ex-President Donald Trump (76). Contrary to expectations, the Democrats retained control of the Senate and even have the chance to expand their majority there. And in the House of Representatives, Republicans will land just above the required majority of 218 votes, instead of the landslide victory they hoped for.
Winning polls becomes more difficult
The small lead makes it more difficult for former Republican Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, 57, to win voting victories. For initiatives, he needs the votes of both moderate Republicans and right-wing Trump loyalists. It is still unclear how Trump’s announcement that he is running for a second term will affect momentum among Republicans.
In a congratulatory letter to McCarthy, Biden said he was willing to work with House Republicans “to get results for working families.” The election demonstrated rejection of political violence and Donald Trump’s (76) claims that he stole an election victory.
McCarthy was confirmed as the Republican leader in the chamber this week. He received only 188 votes, while 31 Republicans voted for right-wing challenger Andy Biggs (64). McCarthy needs a majority of the full House of Representatives to replace Democrat Nancy Pelosi, 82, as chief post in the House in January.
Consequences of a stalemate
A Republican standoff could have unusual consequences. Republican Congressman Don Bacon, 59, said he would then be willing to work with Democrats to choose a moderate Republican to chair the chamber. The post is number three in the political hierarchy in the US after the presidential and vice presidential offices.
With a majority in the US Senate, Democrats can block initiatives from Republicans from the House of Representatives. The country is now likely to get in the way of itself in several debates.
Republicans can make life miserable for Biden
However, the Republicans have also threatened various parliamentary investigations against Democrats: for example, into the situation on the border with Mexico, the FBI search for former Republican President Donald Trump or the dealings with Biden’s son Hunter. They may also start impeachment proceedings against members of the cabinet. With that they can make life miserable for Biden and his administration for the next two years.
And the House of Representatives in particular weighs heavily on budget issues. Republicans have threatened to block an increase in the debt ceiling or financial aid to Ukraine. Observers see this merely as a means of forcing concessions from Democrats elsewhere. However, it is likely to become more difficult for Biden to push through projects that are usually mutually agreed upon.
reminder is common
In midterm elections in the middle of a US president’s term, his party usually gets a reminder. The president himself is not up for election, but the vote is regarded as a kind of referendum on his policies. In terms of domestic policy, Biden had recently driven up inflation in the country – rising fuel prices in particular caused discontent. And even before that, Biden had to contend with dramatically poor polling.
Before the election, a wave of success was predicted for the Republicans and a debacle for the Democrats. But neither happened. Control of the Senate is important to Democrats because federal appointments — such as ambassadors, cabinet members, and federal judges — are confirmed there. (SDA/euc)