Until now, Democrats have had a majority in the upper house of Congress. They received it thanks to the support of four independent senators who regularly voted with them.
In the elections to the US Congress, Donald Trump's Republicans secured a majority in the upper house - the Senate, the AP news agency and Fox News reported on Wednesday, November 6, citing voter polls and the first vote counts.
Until now, Democrats have had a minimal majority in the Senate. They secured it thanks to the support of four independent senators who regularly voted with them.
Republicans managed to gain the upper hand in the Senate elections largely thanks to the victory of Republican Senator Deb Fischer from Nebraska, who managed to defend her seat in a close battle with independent candidate Dan Osborne. This allowed the Republicans to overcome the barrier and gain control of the upper house.
The key role of the US Congress. Support from Congress is key for the US President. An American head of state who lacks support in both chambers often faces enormous challenges. Congress adopts the US budget and has the right of legislative initiative. Specifically, the Senate approves key appointments in the US administration. Without support from the upper house, the president cannot make nominations for ministers, ambassadors and judges, since all high-level appointments must be confirmed by senators. This means that the Senate has significant influence over the personnel and functioning of the White House. Elections to the House of Representatives and referendums
In parallel with the presidential elections in the United States, elections are being held for Congress, where the fate of all 435 seats in the lower House - the House of Representatives - and 34 seats in the Senate are being decided. At the same time, referendums were held in many states on controversial topics such as abortion and the legalization of marijuana. The counting of votes in the congressional elections has not yet been completed, and Democrats led by incumbent President Joe Biden and candidate for the highest government office Kamala Harris are hoping to gain a majority.