Democrats take control of Congress, opening the door to renewed Ukraine aid
Democrats won control of both chambers of the US Congress after the November 3 midterm elections, giving them the majority needed to set the legislative agenda. The result could allow them to advance new aid for Ukraine, overcome a potential veto from President Donald Trump and block proposed easing of sanctions on Russia.
Key points
- The US midterms were held on November 3.
- Democrats secured at least 54 Senate seats, where 51 are needed for a majority.
- Democrats secured more than 231 House seats, where 218 are needed for a majority.
- Democrats won in Texas, Kansas and South Carolina, long-dominated by Republicans.
- Congress can begin with the new Democratic majority in January.
- A bipartisan bloc may be able to secure the two-thirds votes needed to override a potential Trump veto on Ukraine aid.
- Representative Gregory Meeks of New York introduced a bipartisan bill opposing the return of Russian diesel to the global market.
Why it matters
Democratic control of Congress gives the party the power to determine which bills reach the floor and when. A bipartisan majority may provide the two-thirds vote in both chambers needed to override a potential Trump veto on new Ukraine assistance. The new Congress could also block the relaxation of sanctions against Russia, including arrangements concerning Russian diesel, while the electoral shifts in Texas, Kansas and South Carolina signal a substantial shift in US congressional politics.
What happened
Democrats took control of the Senate and House following the November 3 midterm elections. They will hold at least 54 Senate seats and more than 231 House seats, allowing them to set the congressional agenda independently from January and decide which legislation is considered and voted on. Their victories in Texas, Kansas and South Carolina ended decades of Republican dominance in those states; a Democrat last represented Texas in the Senate in 1988 and Kansas in 1932. Democratic aides identified assistance to Ukraine as a priority, and congressional lawmakers may be able to assemble the two-thirds support needed to overcome a possible veto by Trump. Democrats also intend to restore Ukraine aid, seek new assistance packages and challenge the rollback of sanctions on Russia.
How Ukrainian sources describe it
Ukrainian coverage focuses primarily on the possibility of restoring direct financial and military assistance, adopting new aid packages for Kyiv and overcoming a potential Trump veto. It also highlights the prospects for blocking the easing of sanctions against Russia and frames the new congressional balance as important to Ukraine's security.
How international sources describe it
International reporting emphasizes the new Democratic majority's ability to set the congressional agenda, strong bipartisan support for Ukraine and the consequences for sanctions, defense spending and US policy toward Iran. The United States and the EU are viewed as potential partners with whom the new Congress may coordinate its decisions.
Background
The Trump administration effectively halted direct financial and military assistance to Ukraine. Trump also lifted sanctions on Russian diesel and declined to apply the Lindsey Graham law to increase pressure on Moscow. The new congressional balance also affects defense spending, nominations and potential US involvement in a war with Iran. Prices for oil rose on November 4 as markets anticipated further US steps in the confrontation with Iran.