The Republican party has taken back control of the U.S. House after securing the 218th seat needed to flip it from Democratic control.
The party’s return to power will blunt president Joe Biden’s agenda and will pose immediate challenges for the GOP’s ability to govern.
Prior to the takeover of the House officially, President Joe Biden said he would be unable to enact federal legislation to legalize abortion nationwide.
“I don’t think there’s enough votes to codify unless something happens unusual in the House,” Biden said at a press conference in Bali, Indonesia.
With votes in competitive races still being counted following this week’s midterm election, the full scope of the party’s majority may not be clear for several more days, or even weeks.
Biden has since given assurance that he is ready to work with House Republicans to deliver results for working families.
“Last week’s elections demonstrated the strength and resilience of American democracy. There was a strong rejection of election deniers, political violence, and intimidation,” Biden said in a statement. “There was an emphatic statement that, in America, the will of the people prevails.”
Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel has declared that the “future is bright.”
“Our message of prosperity, security, and opportunity prevailed. Families from all backgrounds and all walks of life voted Republican in this election because they know that freedom matters,” stated McDaniel.
“This Republican Congress will fight to lower costs, support our police, secure our border, and put a check on Joe Biden’s disastrous agenda. After years of Democrat failure, Republicans will get our country back on track,” she said.
