New Congress

Now that people in the US voted in a new congress, what are your expectations for this new congress?

Not only explain what those expectations are, but also explain why you think those expectations are correct.

A numerical breakdown of the congressional election with several links to how congress works.

Wasn't the Obama admin working towards socialized medicine? I'd hope they would keep working towards that.

I moved to NZ where socialized medicine has always been around so I'm covered.

But I hope I never have to go back to America until they can get that sorted.

Almost undoubtedly, they will continue to work on, and defend, the move towards the public option. The problem to that move is the increased influence of the Republicans in both the House and Senate.

The House especially, seems to have achieved a Republican majority, with the Senate just barely hanging onto a technical Democratic majority.

And the Republicans were very clear in their primaries that they would attempt very vehemently to at the very least defund what the president and the democratic-majority congress got this past year.

I expect them to pull their party line, give themselves a raise but cut jobs for the rest of the departments.
I expect them to come up with reasons not to show up for voting time, to take nice trips on the People's dime.

I expect the same thing we always get. We need to shake them up, cut their pay, check their taxes, check their accounts and see who they play footsie with now.

Same, same, new face.

I'd love to see real change. Like a realistic pay scale for all politicians, 8 year term limits, no lifetime pension plans or health insurance for only 8 years service, military service a requirement for all presidential candidates. But, we all know no politician is that serious about change.

In never never land we never sleep And Congress never changes.
Many novices elected to office for the first time may begin
and continue their careers in public office as straight arrows; but
too often they are cautioned not to rock the boat by their more
experienced associates AND the specialists of the various government
agencies hired to advise them. In time they are pros!

Yeah.....I kinda feel the same, but seeing as i'am an optimist.....i'am truly hoping for each party to find a reasonable way to work together for those who elected them!