Welcome to Fight Club: The 2018 Midterm Elections Edition
Ding, ding, ding, AND FIGHT! If you've seen the results of last week's election, you might picture the next two years in America as an episode of Fight Club.
Republicans kept hold of the Senate while, after eight years in the minority, Democrats regained control of the House. With 23 needed to hand them the majority, the Democrats were able to pick up 26 seats, ending Republican control.
With 412 seats counted, Democrats held 219 while Republicans held 193. But Republican’s kept hold of and expanded their majority, defeating many Democratic senators and obtaining 51 seats. With both sides claiming victory, what can we expect in the next two (or beyond) years?
Well, we might expect to see a head to head battle. Red vs. Blue; The House vs. the Senate; Democrats vs. Republicans; or should we say, Democrats vs. Trump.
The House of Representatives is responsible for making and passing federal laws, meaning they can prevent Trump from making tax cuts, interfering with healthcare, and launching subpoena powered investigations into his Russian interference, his finances, family life, and more. But the big thing to remember is that the House is where all impeachment proceedings begin.
“I’m very ready for this fight”, said House Minority leader Nancy Pelosi.
Pelosi identified plans to reduce corruption, cut drug prices, strengthen background checks, and pass legal protections for young immigrants. With this jab from the House, we can plan on seeing Democrats provide a stronger check on Trump and his administration.
However, Trump, if you can’t take the heat you can tag in a friend; AKA, the Senate.
While the House may be able to turn up the heat on Trump, they’ll have to bob and weave to keep from getting struck by the Senate. The Senate’s job is to write and vote on bills that turn into laws and deal with government policy and administration.
The Senate will be able to back Trump by approving (with a 2/3rds vote) treaties made by the executive branch. And while the House may be able to start the impeachment process, the Senate can counterpunch with the power to conduct the impeachment trial, serving as jury and judge. Watch out for that hook Democrats.
But hold on, lets take a time out and look at some highlights. This election had many historic firsts. A record number of women were elected to the House of Representatives. So far, at least 95 women have won seats, breaking the current record of 84.
Ayanna Pressley became the first black woman from Massachusetts’ 7th district to be elected to the House. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in New York’s 14th District became the youngest woman elected to Congress. Veronica Escobar from the 16th District of Texas and Sylvia Garcia from the 29th District of Texas became the first Latinas elected to Congress from the state.
Also for the first time, Vice President Mike Pence’s brother, Greg Pence, was elected to congress in Indiana’s 6th district.
Democrat Jared Polis is the first openly gay man to be elected Governor as he won the Governor race in Colorado.
And last but not least, Florida passed Amendment 4, restoring voting rights to felons. 1.4 million Floridians were given back the right to vote.
So, even though the fight is between red and blue, it looks like America is the big winner here.
But the match is just beginning. So grab a seat, kick up your feet, and get your popcorn ready. This is about to be the match of a lifetime. Red vs. Blue; House vs. Senate; Democrats vs. Republicans. Who’s your money on?
