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Foreign Policy and a New Congress

U.S. midterm elections occur amid deep political divisions in Congress that are blocking policy reforms. CFR’s James M. Lindsay examines the foreign policy choices facing lawmakers.

By experts and staff

Published
  • Bernard Gwertzman
    Visiting Fellow

The November 4 midterm elections could shift the balance of power in the U.S. Congress, where Republicans dominate the House of Representatives and Democrats hold the majority in the Senate. James M. Lindsay, CFR’s director of Studies, notes that while Congress has heavier influence on domestic than on foreign policy the next group of lawmakers will likely play an important role on any Iranian nuclear deal, advancing major trade talks, and new defense spending.

US_Midterm_Elections
Members of the U.S. House of Representatives raise their hands to be sworn into office on Capitol Hill, January 2011. (Photo: Molly Riley/Courtesy Reuters)