The GOP is set to regain control of the House majority in the upcoming Congress, paving the way for President-elect Trump to pursue his agenda with less opposition from Democrats. This scenario mirrors the red trifecta that Trump enjoyed during the initial two years of his first term in office.
During the 2017-2019 period, Republicans held a governing trifecta and made significant strides in implementing their agenda. Key accomplishments included the passage of sweeping tax reform and the confirmation of judges to secure a conservative majority in the Supreme Court. However, not all of their priorities were successfully enacted.
Major Achievements and Setbacks
One of the GOP's standout achievements was the enactment of major tax cuts for both individuals and corporations, leading to a significant overhaul of the tax code. Notably, no House Democrats supported the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
Efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA) faced challenges, with a crucial vote in the Senate falling short and a narrow defeat in the House regarding the individual mandate. While the mandate was not entirely eliminated, the financial penalty for non-compliance was zeroed out.
On the immigration front, Congress passed stricter laws, but the construction of the border wall was only partially successful. Despite Trump's request for $25 billion, only $1.6 billion was approved in the 2018 budget. Subsequently, a national emergency declaration and reallocation of funds led to progress in wall construction.
Judicial Appointments and Criminal Justice Reform
Trump nominated 161 federal judges to the Republican Senate, with a significant number receiving confirmation. Notably, Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh were appointed to the Supreme Court during Trump's first term, followed by Amy Coney Barrett in 2020.
The bipartisan passage of the First Step Act in 2018 aimed to reduce recidivism rates and expand compassionate release eligibility for federal inmates. By 2022, the Act had facilitated the early release or reduced sentences of numerous inmates, showcasing a bipartisan effort in criminal justice reform.
