The election is over, the ads have died down before the run-up to the Presidential campaigns, where do we go from here? Realistically and Constitutionally what does that mean? Is the government going to "shut down" or just complete gridlock in Washington D.C.?
The situation...
The People have regained their "seat at the table" in government by taking back the House of Representatives. Conservatives do not have a majority (50 seats) or a super-majority (60 seats) in the Senate. We still have an extreme liberal in the White House.
What can and can't happen...
Same-o, Same-o
The Republican house could go along with the Democrats in the Senate and pass the same kind of spending bills that have plagued the last two years, in the nature of "compromise". I don't think that will happen, but we do have to keep that in mind and carefully watch our House.
Repeal of Health Care
I don't believe this will happen...yet. The ground work can be laid for 2013. The Presidential veto pen will always stop a complete repeal. We can stop parts of the new law by not funding those (all appropriations bills must originate in the House). This can also be a little dangerous. First off, if the House Republicans spend the next two years fighting a battle that cannot be won all we have accomplished is nothing and endanger the House elections of 2012.
Secondly if we stop funding some parts of this monstrosity of a law, what are the implications if the law can never be repealed? Do we have an "Frankenstein like" law that is worse than the current law (I know it is hard to imagine but it can happen, and does happen frequently in government). In my view the Republicans have to make a bit of noise like trying to cut out some of the more controversial parts of the law (like government funding of abortion) then let this one "simmer" until 2013.
Spending, Spending, and Spending
The House of Representatives has the checkbook. This is where the most impact can be achieved. The House members must send appropriations bills that cut spending. Make the President and Senate reject spending cuts. Make House rules that stop earmarks. This will help return your reputation as fiscally responsible. Democrats have a real hard time not spending money, so any attempt by the Democrats to stop spending cuts will highlight their inability to manage a budget.
Stop the Insanity
The House can effectively stop the insanity. The crazy bills like cap and tax and card check can and should be stopped cold. Some compromise is good just do not compromise on the principles your were elected to defend.
General thoughts
I was thinking about the election results and every election I realize how smart the American people are as a group. We elected a more conservative House of Representatives but did not elect a Senate majority. This to me seems very wise. What I believe this does is; prevents the easy "out" by the President to say that he couldn't do something because "the Congress" wouldn't let him. Obama is well known for his blaming everything on someone else. If the Dems still have a little power then blaming the whole Congress for a policy not being implemented is now moot. Obama will be held more accountable for his own actions.
One thing for certain is that the people have spoken and all branches of government better start keeping in mind that you work for us or you will be looking for a job.
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