What Congress Might Look Like After Midterms

Written by Hudson Crozier

How it looks now: The House of Representatives will almost certainly turn red. The Senate is a perfect tie, and there are only 4 races left to be called, but a Democratic majority is more likely since the Vice President serves as a tie-breaker.

House investigations: Republicans have teased a large number of committee investigations that could shed light on issues of national importance. These include Hunter Biden’s business deals, corruption in the FBI and Justice Department, the origins of COVID-19, Big Tech censorship, China investing in American land, the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, the border crisis, and the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan last year.

Biden nominees: President Biden has nominated record numbers of people for positions in the judiciary, including district courts, appeals courts, and the U.S. Supreme Court, with more on the way. He also has more executive positions to fill. Senate Democrats could continue to confirm his nominees with only a bare majority.

For key legislation: House Republicans could block vast amounts of government spending, including aid to Ukraine, and other Democratic priorities before they reach the Senate. But Republican bills in the House, such as a proposed ban on transgender treatments for minors, could be blocked in the Senate by a Democratic majority or the filibuster. For the most part, Congress will remain sharply divided, stalling the legislative agendas of both parties.