Democratic Midterm Gains Could Reshape US Foreign Policy Debate

Democrats have an opportunity to win control of the US House of Representatives and possibly the Senate in the November 3 midterm elections, independent analysts say.

Such a result would give the party a share of power in Washington after two years of Republican control, changing the political balance in Congress.

The foreign policy implications would depend in part on whether Democrats secured one chamber or both. Congressional powers over legislation, funding and oversight could give the party greater leverage in debates over America’s role abroad.

A Democratic victory would not, by itself, transfer control of foreign policy to the party. But it could bring greater scrutiny of the administration’s decisions and make congressional support for its priorities less certain.