Independent analysts assess that Democrats have a chance of winning control of the House of Representatives and the Senate in the midterm elections on November 3 in the US. Such a victory would give them more power in Congress and would limit the influence of Donald Trump’s administration. Democrats criticize Republicans for allowing the president to make decisions on war and spending, powers that the Constitution grants to Congress. Reuters has listed four changes that a Democratic-controlled Congress could bring to Trump’s foreign policy.
1. Curbing the war with Iran
Trump did not seek congressional approval before launching the war with Iran on February 28, while Democrats have repeatedly voted to end hostilities unless the president first obtains authorization from lawmakers. One of these resolutions was passed with the support of a small group of Republicans, but the Trump administration ignored it. If they take control of the House of Representatives or the Senate, Democrats could cut defense spending to pressure Trump into obtaining congressional approval for continuing the war. They could also demand that administration officials testify publicly about their plans.
2. New support for Ukraine
Trump has largely cut off direct US financial and military aid to Ukraine, despite broad support from Democratic and Republican lawmakers for Kyiv in its fight against Russia’s invasion. Recently, he has angered members of Congress, including many Republicans, by lifting sanctions on Russian diesel oil and suspending restrictions on the Russian energy sector, just weeks after having enacted them into law. If they win control of both chambers in November, Democrats will be able to determine which issues are put to a vote and when. This could allow them to pass a new aid package for Ukraine, which is likely to secure the two-thirds majority needed to override Trump’s veto. They could also oppose other initiatives of the president. For example, Congressman Gregory Meeks of New York, who could take over the House Foreign Affairs Committee if Democrats win control, has introduced a bipartisan bill to block Trump’s plan to return Russian diesel to the global market.
3. Ending military aid to Israel
Support for Israel has fallen sharply among Democrats because of the way this country has conducted the war in Gaza, where tens of thousands of Palestinian civilians have been killed. Other factors have been the continued violence in the occupied West Bank and the close alliance of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with Republicans. Democrats could limit or end military aid to Israel, which reached $3.8 billion in the last fiscal year. This is far more than aid provided to any other country. Nearly half of House Democrats voted this summer to end aid to Israel. Some of those who voted against this measure, such as Meeks, have supported restrictions on supplying Israel with certain weapons, such as heavy bombs.
4. Limiting military spending and restoring foreign aid
Democrats are more likely than Trump’s Republicans to support limiting military spending. Trump sought this year an unprecedented increase of 67% in the military budget, bringing it to $1.5 trillion. But Democrats blocked this request in the Senate, citing the president’s refusal to consult Congress about the war in Iran, as well as major cuts to social programs. Trump has also blocked or canceled billions of dollars in foreign aid approved by Congress. Many Democrats are angered by these cuts and say they will seek to restore the funding.