America’s 113th Congress had a bad run. Between the government shutdown last September to Ted Cruz’s twenty-one hour Green Eggs and Ham inspired pseudo-filibuster, Congressional approval ratings are as low as they’ve ever been. So it was not surprising that America was ready for change, in sweeping Republican form. In contrast to last Congress’ uneasy partisan gridlock, this year’s legislature gained substantial Republican majorities in both houses. Our own New York was one of the only states that didn’t experience the Republican renaissance, remaining as staunchly Democratic as ever.
Given the G.O.P’s traditionally close relationship with the Jewish state, Yeshiva University students who hold Israel as their top priority can be excited about the new Republican leads.
But senior Uri Segelman, president of the YU Republicans club and host of radio show “The Right Perspective,” is also hoping the Republican majorities give states “more control over a whole host of issues,” such as health care, marriage, minimum wage, and abortion.
However, the Republican take-over could stand in the way of a cause that hits close to home for many YU students: tighter gun-control laws.
At a security training session earlier this year, YU students were forced to confront the reality of New York’s increasing gun violence. Students at the meeting learned of the new security measures that have been put in place on both campuses to protect against an active shooter attack. Despite 90% of Americans favoring stricter background check measures for gun-owners, a promising gun-control bill died in the Senate last year, after garnering only four Republican votes. With the new Republican majority in Congress, gun-control advocates may have to settle for a long wait.
For better or for worse, the reign of 2013’s “Do Nothing” Congress has ended.
Students can look forward to the prospect of a more productive legislative session next year.