Democratic Party Dominates Congress, Joe Biden's Government Can Be 'calm'

JAKARTA - For the first time in a decade, the Democratic Party took over control of the United States Senate (US). This is an advantage for the Joe Biden Administration, because the party that supports it controls the US Congress, both at the Senate and DPR levels.

Following the inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as US President and Vice President, the Senate approved the appointment of Avril Haines as Director of the National Intelligence Service.

Then, the Senate also appointed Democrat politicians Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff from Georgia and Alex Padilla from California. Padilla, who is the first senator with Latin blood, will replace Kamala Harris.

The inauguration of the three also means that Biden will receive full support from the Senate through the majority of the Democratic Party, especially to secure a number of his policies. Such as assistance to deal with crises due to the corona virus pandemic.

The map of power in the Senate has changed. The Senate Majority Leader is now held by Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer. Meanwhile, the Senate Minority Leader is held by Republican Senator Mitch McConnell who previously led the majority.

Schumer and McConnell promised to work together on the division of tasks in the Senate. McConnell also congratulated and agreed to support Joe Biden, whom he had known for years.

"I congratulate my friend from Delaware, looking forward to working with him as our new president, wherever possible," McConnell said, as reported by Reuters.

Despite being the majority and the party supporting the government, Schumer promised to keep the senate critical and firm, especially regarding the handling of several priority issues, such as the health crisis, the economy, the pandemic, and racial justice.

"Make no mistake, the Senate will firmly, consistently and urgently address the biggest threats to this country and our planet, including climate change," he said.

In addition, the new Senate is poised to hold former President Donald Trump's second impeachment hearing, with charges of inciting rebellion passed by the House last week after his supporters stormed Capitol Hill. However, it has not been announced when the trial will begin.