BRIEFING ROOM

Congress matters.

In January 2025, the newly elected Congress will choose the president if no candidate secures a majority of Electoral College votes. The Senate will select the vice president. The outcome of the presidential election will ultimately rest in the hands of those we elect to Congress.
 

 

The individuals we elect to the House and Senate across the country play a crucial role in shaping the destiny of our nation and our lives. The Constitution grants Congress the sole authority to enact legislation, declare war, confirm or reject many presidential appointments, and wield substantial investigative powers. The Senate, in particular, confirms judges who serve for life and whose decisions influence every aspect of our lives.


Every member of Congress votes on the issues that matter most to us. Having a Congress that supports meaningful legislation and sends it to President Harris for her signature is just as important as the presidential election itself.


The first vote taken by the new Congress is to elect the Speaker of the House and the Majority Leader of the Senate. These leaders control the legislative agenda, determining whether bills will reach the floor for a vote or die in committee. However, if the majority in Congress comprises climate deniers, those beholden to the NRA, extremists who seek to deny women autonomy over their bodies, and those who believe our country should be exclusively white and Christian, our fundamental rights will be in jeopardy—regardless of Harris in the White House. They will push forward extreme legislation that threatens our freedoms.


Vice President Kamala Harris is dedicated to expanding our freedoms and democracy, including restoring Roe v. Wade, implementing universal background checks, expanding the Voting Rights Act, and protecting our climate. Her ability to achieve success for all Americans depends on the 535 elected candidates sworn into office in January. A GOP-controlled Congress would derail these plans.


Furthermore, a Democratic majority in Congress would enable Democrats to chair crucial committees, such as Foreign Affairs, which significantly influences foreign policy, especially concerning Israel. Democratic committee chairs could also advance legislation like the Women’s Health Protection Act, which would codify Roe. Additionally, with a Democrat chairing the Judiciary Committee, we could end frivolous impeachment hearings and politically motivated investigations.


When Kamala Harris took the stage for the first time with her vice presidential pick, Gov. Tim Walz, she urged us to consider the kind of country we want to live in. That answer lies not only with the president we elect in November but also with the candidates we help elect to Congress.


Congress matters. Support JAC candidates.