Fallout of the Midterms
The United States midterm elections resulted in a blue tsunami in which the Democrats gained control of both chambers of congress, the Senate and the House of Representatives. The total number of seats they won in both chambers is very important. Usually in the second half of the presidency, the party opposite of the president gets control of at least one chamber of congress in the midterms. Democrats won 54 senate seats (as of the week after the election) with two more races that have yet to be decided, giving them well over the 50 seats necessary for control. As for the House of Representatives, the Democrats currently stand at 254 seats, far above the needed 218.
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With these victory numbers for the Democrats, they will easily be able to pass budget bills in Congress. However, other legislation that is non-budget related will require working with Republicans. Yet there are many other things Democrats can do with their control of Congress. One of the first things on their agenda is likely to be stopping the funding for the Iran war. Along with this they will go for impeaching Pete Hegseth. They will also try to impeach other members of President Trump’s cabinet. The order is uncertain, but Trump himself is likely on that list. There will likely be other subpoenas and hearings involved with this. And, needless to say, Republican legislation will be blocked, and Trump will use his veto power for anything applicable.
Overall, the Democratic win for congressional control sets up many ways to slow or stop things in this administration. This is a golden opportunity for Democrats to improve standing with voters. Whether this is through impeachments, hearings, or blocking of legislation, the Republicans are in for a rough two years.
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