Washington Correspondent
This majority will in any case be far from the landslide victory expected by the Republicans, the Democrats resisted much better than expected and were able to retain control of the Senate. But that’s still the majority. After Democratic Party control of both houses, the United States once again finds itself with a divided Congress.
“The government of the one-party democrats is over.”commented the leader of the Republican group, Kevin McCarthy, who should become the next speaker of the House of Representatives. “Americans are ready for changes, and Republicans in the House of Representatives are ready to implement them.”he said, “and fulfill our commitment to America”.
Joe Biden congratulated McCarthy, saying himself “I am ready to work with the Republicans of the House of Representatives.”. “Voters clearly expressed their concerns in these elections. The American people want us to do things for them. They want us to focus on the issues that matter to them and improve their lives. I will work with anyone, Republican or Democrat, who wants to work with me to get results. » Biden added “The American people have made it clear that they expect the Republicans to be ready to work with me as well. The future is too bright to be locked in a political war..
However, that is what will likely happen in January with the new legislature. The separation of legislative and executive power between the two parties is common in modern American politics. It does not particularly contribute to the cooperation of the two sides.
The majority of the House of Representatives will allow the Republicans to obstruct the actions of the executive and take control of the main parliamentary committees. They will be able to complete the investigation of the events of January 6, 2021 and start a series of investigations against Joe Biden, his family and the Democratic administration.
Blocking power
Republicans are expected to use their power, particularly by reducing Biden’s legislative wiggle room. McCarthy has previously said his party has no plans “Sign a blank check” help Ukraine. He also announced that he wants to cancel a bill planned by Democrats to expand the US tax administration, the Internal Revenue Service. He also hinted that he might use the federal debt ceiling vote to force the Democratic administration to cut spending. Similar situations led to federal government shutdowns in 2013 and 2018 under Obama and Trump. Even if these measures have not become known and contain great risks for the American economy, the level of hostility between the two sides does not allow to exclude this scenario.
Republican elected officials also want to introduce legislation banning abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy and raising police pay. The most radical Republican parliamentary group, the Freedom Caucus, could take tougher measures, such as starting impeachment proceedings against Joe Biden. They demand to start an investigation into the affairs carried out by the president’s son Hunter Biden abroad. The chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, the origins of the Covid-19 virus and the policies of the pandemic led by Dr Anthony Fauci, who is due to retire in December, could also be the subject of parliamentary inquiries.
The Justice Department and Attorney General Merrick Garland, who authorized the search of Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence where he kept classified documents, could also be targeted. As well as Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, who could face impeachment over the way he handles illegal immigration at the southern border. The outgoing Democratic Speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, has announced that she will not be a candidate for her succession.
Source: Le Figaro
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.