The Heat discusses new Republican makeup of House, Senate

World Today

U.S. President Barack Obama and his Democratic party suffered a crushing defeat in the latest U.S election. With Republican opponents now in full control of both houses of the Congress, what does it mean for U.S. policy at home and abroad?

The White House and the Democrats faced a serious debacle in yesterday’s midterm elections after losing control of the Senate and with Republicans on the verge of securing their largest majority in the House of Representatives in nearly 75 years. Republican candidates rode a wave of voter discontent, dealing a blow to a president whose low approval ratings contributed heavily to his party’s electoral drubbing. Obama now faces a final two years in office with increased limits to his legislative agenda. CCTV America’s Jessica Stone reported on what this change could mean to several bills awaiting congressional approval.

The Heat spoke to a panel of experts about the current changes in Washington politics and how that it will impact policy:

* Raghida Dergham, veteran journalist and the senior diplomatic correspondent for Al-Hayat, a pan-Arab newspaper. On Twitter: @raghidadergham

* Simon Marks, global affairs correspondent for Feature Story News. On Twitter: @SimonMarksFSN

* Stephen Wayne, a Georgetown University professor of government.

There are a number of pressing hot-button issues at play with the new Congress including ISIL, arming the Syrian rebels, immigration, and energy. What can we expect now on those issues? With Republicans now in control of the Senate, there will be new leadership on key policy committees who will likely bring an agenda different from the president. Our panel discussion continues on how this could change the conversation on Capitol Hill.