Have you heard? Two Muslim women have been elected into congress, Rashida Tlaib the first Palestinian American woman from Michigan and representative Ilhan Omar the first Somali American of Minnesota to serve in Congress. This is a momentous jump in Trump’s America and a spec of hope in the larger backdrop of the malicious climate of America towards migrants, Muslims, and ethnic minorities under Trump’s rule.

A pair of districts in the Midwest has decided on part of America’s future. According to CNN, Palestinian Rashida Tlaib is, “endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America, a burgeoning left-wing group that also counts New York Democratic congressional nominee Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez among its members.”

What is the Congress?

By definition, the word congress means, “a formal meeting or series of meetings for discussion between delegates, especially those from a political party, trade union, or from within a particular sphere of activity.” The United States Congress is the bicameral legislature of the Federal government of the United States. The legislature consists of two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate. These become the official lawmaking body of the nation. The main power of Congress, as outlined in the U.S. Constitution, “is to make laws that, when signed by the president,  it becomes the law of the land, governing all of American life.”

What does the Senate do?

The US Senate is an upper chamber of the United States Congress, what the Senate does is basically build legislation for the United States alongside The House of Representatives which is a lower chamber. The composition and powers of the Senate are established by Article One of the United States Constitution. Article One of the United Constitution, establishes the legislative branch of the federal government, the United States Congress.  Have a read of some of the bills and qualifications published…

Who is in control of Congress?

So the elections in 2014, gave the Republicans control of the Senate. and the houses of Congress. What does this mean? It means for the first time since the 109th Congress,  the Republicans took the lead with 248 seats in the House of Representatives and 54 seats in the Senate, this Congress began with the largest Republican majority since the 71st Congress of 1929–1931.

Who is this right now?

• House Speaker – Paul Ryan
• Members – 100 senators 435 representatives 6 non-voting delegates
• Senate Majority – Republican
• House Majority – Republican

Ok but what about a Congressman and a Senator?

Some individual cases may relay that a Representative, is more critical than a Senator, but generally speaking Senators hold the impression that they hold more power. Both are needed for legislation.

 What’s the difference between a Republican and a Democrat?

So what does this exactly mean?

What do they mean by midterms?

On the 6th November voters in America get a chance to have their say, their vote, this will be the first time they vote since trumps 2016 elections. Seats in the House and Senate are there to be won back, which may mean the Democrats have a fighting chance to take back their control. If the Democrats have a Senate majority this could help end Trumps Agenda blocking him having a say in the Supreme court. Republicans had previously had a small majority, however more seats were won today for the Democrats. the process of winning seats is a lot harder than it seems. If this occurs a trump Russia investigation will prevail.

Voter suppression occurs to block votes and create an atmosphere of fear.

The Democrats must retain majority seats to win the House overall. 36 states will be voting in a new governor as well. Governers have sway to influence laws such as health policy and the gun laws which became a point of contention earlier this year after the school shootings.

Governers to look out for?

• Jacky Rosen Democrat -Nevada
• Lauren Underwood- Democrat Illinois
• Andrew Gillum-  Democrat Florida