Democrats are poised to take control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate after a series of election victories, shifting the balance of power in Washington for the remainder of President Donald Trump’s second term. The party won seats in states including Texas, Kansas and South Carolina, according to Inside Higher Ed.
The new majority is expected to scrutinize the administration’s actions, including its efforts to cut education programs and reorganize the federal government. However, some of Trump’s higher education policies may continue: the Education Department has finalized several rules over the past year and has announced plans for further changes.
Democratic lawmakers have said they want to make college more affordable, including by increasing the maximum Pell Grant and expanding access to student loans. Representative Suzanne Bonamici, an Oregon Democrat, told Inside Higher Ed before Election Day that she was more interested in pursuing effective policies than holding public hearings on university presidents, which she described as a performative approach by Republicans.
How much Democrats can accomplish will depend on their margins in both chambers. Even with control of Congress, legislation generally needs Trump’s approval unless lawmakers can override a veto. Republicans passed significant policy changes during the previous two years despite holding narrow majorities, including new student-loan caps and college accountability measures.
The election results could also affect federal research funding. The Trump administration has cut thousands of grants it said did not align with the president’s priorities and has moved to direct available funding toward fewer grants. The organization Stand Up for Science described the election cycle as important for the federal government’s operation and the checks and balances in place over the next two years.
State-level results may influence public universities as well. The article reported that Republican-controlled legislatures in several states have taken a greater role in decisions about what colleges teach and whom they enroll. Tom Harnisch of the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association said election outcomes could shape funding, student aid, workforce priorities and governing board appointments for years.
After Democrats took control of the Senate, American Federation of Teachers president Randi Weingarten called on Congress to address what she said was damage caused by the Trump administration and to strengthen public and higher education, raise wages and improve access to health care. She also said state-level election results should lead to progress on governors’ and legislators’ priorities.
Sources: Inside Higher Ed.