What Democrats can and can't do with their new power after taking Congress

Election night was a fever dream for Democrats. In January, reality will set in.

They had a reason to be giddy on Tuesday night: Next year, Democrats will take control of both chambers of Congress after a blowout victory.

"Today begins the great American comeback," an ecstatic Hakeem Jeffries, House Democratic leader, declared.

After months of promises on the campaign trail — to investigate corruption; lower the costs of healthcare, groceries and petrol; and curtail the Iran war — they will now begin the much tougher process of putting plans into action.

A shift in the balance of power in Washington doesn't necessarily mean Democrats will immediately get to start checking items off their legislative wish list. Democrats have Congress, but Republican President Donald Trump still has the power to reject legislation.

The Democrats should not consider what just happened "a mandate," US Senator Chris Coons told the BBC, warning that the party was still "deeply unpopular".

"We need to prove we can get stuff done, actually deliver answers to their concerns and questions about low wages and rising costs in particular."

Congressman Robert Garcia of California will soon lead a powerful oversight committee in the House, with the power to make Trump's last two years in office quite difficult.

Kaynak: BBC News World RSS (Açık Basın / Haber Servisi)