US Republicans Secure House Majority... Biden "Ready to Work Together"

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] The U.S. Republican Party appears to have secured the status of the majority party by winning a majority of seats (218 seats) in the House of Representatives, CNN and other media outlets reported simultaneously on the 16th (local time). President Joe Biden issued an official statement saying, "I am ready to work with the Republican Party."

Election survey organizations Edison Research, AP News, NBC, and CNN predicted that the Republican Party would hold a majority of the total House seats after gaining momentum in California's 27th congressional district on the same day. The Democratic Party is estimated to have secured 210 seats. The news of the Republican Party's control of the House came eight days after the midterm elections held on the 8th.

The U.S. House of Representatives has 435 seats, and the party that secures at least 218 seats, the minimum majority, holds the status of the majority party. The majority party can lead the organization of the House, including electing the Speaker and assigning committee chairpersons.

After news of the Republican Party's control of the House was announced, President Biden congratulated House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy, the White House said. President Biden stated, "I am ready to work with the House Republicans to deliver results for the American people."

The Senate majority was secured first by the Democratic Party. With the Georgia runoff election still pending, the Democrats have already secured 50 seats, half of the Senate. Therefore, if the Democrats win the Georgia runoff, they will hold 51 seats; if they lose, they will still split the Senate seats evenly with the Republicans, maintaining de facto majority status through the casting vote of Vice President Kamala Harris, the ex officio Senate President.

With the Democrats controlling the Senate and the Republicans controlling the House, the so-called "divided government" will become a reality for the next two years starting early next year when the newly elected midterm members begin their terms.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.