The results were eagerly awaited. Republicans regained control of the US House of Representatives on Wednesday after a recount in the November 8 midterm elections. They, according to the forecasts of many American media, will barely exceed the famous milestone of 218 seats, which will give them the opportunity to block Joe Biden’s policies until 2024 and lead to a split in Congress.
Failing to capture the Senate, the Conservative Party will only have a very narrow majority in the lower house, but far from the “giant wave” promised by Donald Trump. “Americans are ready for a new direction, and Republicans in the House of Representatives are ready to act,” said House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy, now the front-runner for the leadership of this assembly.
Joe Biden congratulated Kevin McCarthy on Wednesday. “I will work with anyone, Republican or Democrat, who is willing to work with me to take action,” the president said in a statement. He also said that “Last week’s election demonstrated the strength and resilience of American democracy. There has been a mass rejection of those who question the election results, political violence and intimidation.”
“In this election, voters have made their concerns clear: the need to cut spending … and preserve our democracy,” he added.
“House Democrats will continue to play a leading role in supporting President Biden’s agenda – with strong influence over narrow Republican majorities,” said Nancy Pelosi, current Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Democratic measures in the viewfinder
This very thin Republican majority in the lower house also risks making it more difficult to govern. With a Republican House and a Democratic Senate, Joe Biden’s party will no longer be able to carry out major projects in this now divided Congress. But the other side too.
Republicans have threatened to reverse some of the measures taken under Joe Biden if they regain control of the two houses. They wanted, in particular, to review the funds allocated to the tax authorities for hiring new agents, or for certain reforms in the field of education.
Republicans could also be more fussy about Washington’s aid to Ukraine. They also planned to attack abortion rights or pass gun laws, which would push Joe Biden to use his veto power.
A thorn in Joe Biden’s side
Ultimately, the 79-year-old president will not be forced into this defensive stance. And, on the contrary, you will have to use your negotiating skills, inherited from a long career as a senator, in order to avoid paralysis of the federal administration, the famous “shutdown”.
But the President’s outstretched hand runs the risk of hitting a conservative red wall. Even with a slim majority in the House of Representatives, the Republicans will have significant oversight powers, which they have promised to use for a multitude of investigations into Joe Biden’s handling of the pandemic or the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan.
They may also go after his son Hunter, who is accused of using his name to do business in Ukraine and China. The Conservative Party intends to exploit any potential Democratic flaw by keeping the 2024 presidential election in sight. With his candidacy on Tuesday, Donald Trump launched a relentless fight for the Republican Party nomination for the White House.
Source: Le Parisien
I am Jack Morton and I work in 24 News Recorder. I mostly cover world news and I have also authored 24 news recorder. I find this work highly interesting and it allows me to keep up with current events happening around the world.
