Shifts in Senate, House Won�t Impact Infrastructure
The Democrats’ takeover of the Senate and House in the Nov.7 elections, the biggest shift since the Republicans won the House in 1994,redraws the legislative landscape for construction firms, unions andenvironmental groups. The ascendant Democrats are expected to be at least asstrong as the GOP on the bread-and-butter issue of infrastructure spending.
In the Senate, Democrats picked up six seats, for a 51-49edge, counting independents Joseph Lieberman (Conn.) and Bernard Sanders (Vt.),who are expected to vote with them. Preliminary House results show Democratsgaining 28 seats, giving them a majority of 13 over the GOP. The results willmake Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.) majority leader and Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.)House Speaker. There also will be a set of new committee chairmen when the 110th Congress convenes in January.