Republican Power Brokers Flex Muscles Against President Clinton

Strategic Insights -

With the Grand Old Party recapturing control of both houses of Congress for the first time in 40 years, the Republican power brokers are poised to assert their new-found strength against President Clinton. The party's bold conservative agenda, headlined by the reinstatement of school prayer, welfare crackdowns, and lower taxes, is set to face off against the weakened Democratic administration. The extent to which the new Republican team will be able to make good on its promises will depend on the party's choice of leaders for the powerful Senate and House committees that shape legislation.

Key Takeaways:

  • Senator Bob Dole, 71, is set to become the incoming Senate Majority Leader, bringing with him his pragmatic deal-making style and a lifetime defence of Richard Nixon.
  • Newt Gingrich, 51, is the incoming House Speaker-elect, and has been a driving force behind the 10-point Contract with America, a list of conservative pledges that includes tax cuts for the wealthy and higher defence spending.
  • Senator Jesse Helms, 73, the incoming chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has been a tireless and bitter crusader against communism and is known for his hard-line conservatism.
  • Senator Strom Thurmond, 93 (next month), will lead the Senate Armed Services Committee, making him the oldest person to serve in the Senate if he serves out his seventh term.
  • Senator Bob Packwood, 62, will head the Senate Finance Committee, despite facing charges of making unwanted sexual advances.
  • Pat Roberts, of Kansas, will chair the House Agriculture Committee, an advocate for "government-out-of-farming" principles and a strong critic of domestic farm subsidies.
  • Dick Armey, 54, will become House Majority Leader, an ardent supporter of free market policies and a flat tax.
  • Bill Archer, 66, will chair the House Ways and Means Committee and is a vocal opponent of taxes and government spending.
  • Senator Alfonse D'Amato will run the Senate Banking Committee, and has waged a campaign to embarrass President Clinton over the Whitewater real estate scandal.

Statistics:

  • The Republican party has controlled the Senate for all but six of the past 40 years.
  • The incoming Republican team will have a 55-45 majority in the Senate, with Senator Dole and Senator Helms leading the Foreign Relations Committee.
  • The House of Representatives is also set to be controlled by Republicans for the first time in 40 years.
  • Senator Dole has served longer in Congress than any other Republican, with 31 years of service.
  • The Senate Armed Services Committee has jurisdiction over defence spending, with Senator Thurmond leading the committee at 92 years old.

Sources:

  • The New York Times
  • The Washington Post
  • Time Magazine
  • The Wall Street Journal