Understanding the Complexities of Congressional Control and Legislation in the United States
The phrase 'both houses of Congress were controlled by Republicans for 8 years and Trump had 2 years of complete Republican control how can everything be wrong because of Democrats' can be misleading. It is essential to understand the intricate nature of American politics, particularly the roles of the Senate and the House of Representatives, and the mechanisms in place for passing legislation.
Republican Control and the Filibuster
Contrary to the assumption that Republican control leads to unimpeded progress, the Senate does not hold a super majority. Having 60 senators, which would grant a super majority, is critical for moving legislation through the Senate. This is due to the filibuster, a procedural rule that allows the minority to delay or block votes. Recent instances highlight how the filibuster is used to waste time; Senator Ted Cruz, for instance, read "Green Eggs and Ham" on the Senate floor to stall proceedings. Today, achieving a simple majority (51 senators) is sufficient to overcome a filibuster, thanks to the 'nuclear option.' However, reaching 60 votes remains challenging as Senator Harry Reid simplified this process, hoping the Democrats would eventually need it when their party was in the minority.
Presidential appointees, including judges, require 60 votes for confirmation. This is why President Trump appointed numerous judges, ensuring judicial continuity in his time in office.
Democratic Influence and Legislation
During the Obama administration, Democrats had a super majority, enabling them to quickly pass the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The ACA became a signature issue, but it ultimately led to the Democrats losing both houses of Congress. As time progressed, public perception evolved, and the differences and challenges of the ACA became more accepted. This shift in public opinion has led to broader support for the ACA.
Despite the Democrats' control of the Senate, they can still block legislation. The Senate Majority Leader, Mitch McConnell, often does not bring bills to the floor for a vote if they cannot achieve a 51-vote majority. Thus, when Democrats block legislation, it is not always noticed as it is not pursued in the first place.
Modern Filibuster and Its Impact
The modern filibuster, where opposition merely needs to claim they will filibuster, can significantly impact the legislative process. This change limits the need for hours of debate and allows for quicker but more contentious procedures. The result is a shift in focus to individual committee vetting rather than floor debate, leading to less public awareness of blocked legislation.
It is also crucial to acknowledge that both parties play a role in the current state of political affairs. Statesmen within both the Republican (Rhino) and Democratic (Swamp Rat) parties are responsible for the challenges and successes in governance.
Understanding the complexities of Congressional control and the mechanisms in play provides a clearer picture of the legislative process and its outcomes. While the media's portrayal often simplifies the dynamics, a more nuanced perspective is invaluable for informed discourse and policy evaluation.