Dems’ win & questions on DoD policy

WASHINGTON – Democrats’ gains in the U.S. House in the Nov. 6 midterm elections will likely shake up defense policy in 2019 and raise the possibility of tumultuous fights over President Donald Trump and his agenda. With control of the lower chamber, Democrats will assume leadership of the House Armed Services and House Appropriations committees, presenting challenges to Trump’s defense spending plans. “Tomorrow will be a new day in America,” said House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), who takes the leadership role in January. For the GOP, the loss of the House was blunted by additional seats won in the Senate, ensuring that Democrats will still have limited ability to slow Trump nominations. In the House, Democrats have promised to put their priorities on domestic spending, and defense will have to take a backseat. But, will Congress be able to agree upon any defense budget at all, which may raise lengthy impasses on spending and potential government shutdowns. Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.) will become the House Armed Services Committee’s chairman. He has vowed more scrutiny of military personnel and planning. He has criticized the FY-2019 defense budget ($716B) as being too high, and is a supporter of another base closure round, and a smaller military footprint around the globe. He’s also opposed to Trump’s proposed 355-ship Navy, and production of the B-2 bomber and F-22 fighter (production of Raptors ended almost a decade ago). Amid new changes, Congress will see old faces: Former GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney won an open Utah Senate seat; and Obama and Clinton-era State Department official Tom Malinosky won a congressional seat in New Jersey. (Source: Defense News 11/07/18) Gulf Coast Note: In Mississippi, incumbent Republican U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker won re-election with 58% of the vote; in the state’s special election for its second U.S. senator, the results appear headed for a run-off between Democrat Mike Espy (40.7%) and fill-in senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (41.5%). A third party candidate with 16% will push the top two vote-getters into a run-off. In Florida, incumbent Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson lost to current GOP governor Rick Scott. Florida now has two GOP senators (Marco Rubio). In Alabama, incumbents were all re-elected in U.S. House races (6 GOP, 1 Dem). There were no U.S. Senate races (1 GOP, 1 Dem). In Louisiana’s U.S. House races, all incumbents won (5 GOP, 1 Dem). There were no U.S. Senate races (2 GOP).