Last week, America’s presidential election results rolled in more quickly than pundits and pollsters expected. But the United States was still waiting to see what would shake out in the House of Representatives—until now.
A few races remain uncalled. But results from Arizona and California on Wednesday gave Republicans enough seats to control the U.S. House. The Republican party has won 218 House seats. Republicans had already gained control of the Senate—and, of course, the presidency, with the re-election of Donald Trump.
The GOP (Grand Old Party: a nickname for the Republican party) majorities are thin, but still enough to sway the direction of the nation’s legislative branch. In Congress, made up of the House and the Senate, elected representatives from each state shape the nation’s laws. Republican leaders hope to act swiftly on soon-to-be President Trump’s vision for the country.
What’s on the agenda? President-elect Trump has promised to cut taxes and impose tariffs (import fees) on goods from other countries. He has also promised an unprecedented mass deportation of undocumented immigrants—those who are not in the United States legally.
During Mr. Trump’s previous term as President, Republicans also took control of Congress. But some Republican leaders put roadblocks in the way of his plans. He also faced a liberal (politically left-leaning) majority in the Supreme Court. This time around, those obstacles are almost non-existent.
“Republicans in the House and Senate have a mandate,” says House Speaker Mike Johnson. “The American people want us to implement and deliver that ‘America First’ agenda.”
In the Senate, Senator John Thune of South Dakota will serve as the new majority leader. He replaces Senator Mitch McConnell, the longest serving party leader in Senate history. According to Thune, Senate Republicans are all aboard the Trump train.
“This Republican team is united. We are on one team,” says Thune. “We are excited to reclaim the majority and to get to work with our colleagues in the House to enact President Trump’s agenda.”
Meanwhile, the President-elect has started filling his Cabinet with politicians loyal to his cause. Some of his picks, such as attorney general nominee Matt Gaetz, come from the House of Representatives.
It can feel frustrating when the wheels of government turn slowly. But the Founding Fathers of the United States designed it that way. As former subjects of Great Britain’s King George III, they knew the dangers of one person holding government control. They created “checks and balances” in the Constitution to prevent change from happening too fast and too vastly. Does a fast-moving, one-party government do damage to their design? Or is that what’s needed to bring about real changes?
Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety. — Proverbs 11:14
