Congressional Control: How Democrats May Alter U.S. Foreign Policy

Voters in Lake County and across the nation turned their attention to domestic economic pressures during the November elections, but the outcome will directly impact how Washington spends money abroad and investigates executive decisions. The shift in power means that federal funding for military operations and aid packages will now face stricter legislative scrutiny from a body controlled by Democrats.

Polling data from SSRS, collected for several news outlets, indicates that 63% of voters viewed the war in Iran as the wrong decision. A larger share, 74%, cited the conflict as a major or crucial factor in their ballot choice. The economy remained the top concern, with 89% of respondents identifying it as a major or crucial factor. These numbers suggest that voters prioritized financial stability over traditional geopolitical alignments.

Anne Applebaum, a historian and staff writer at The Atlantic, outlined specific mechanisms for this new congressional authority. She noted that the U.S. and Israel have engaged in military campaigns against Iran since June 2025. Pentagon figures obtained by The Associated Press place the cost of the war at approximately $47.1 billion as of mid-October. Iranian forces have also targeted U.S. military bases in the Gulf region in retaliatory strikes.

Applebaum stated that she does not expect President Trump to alter his approach based on public opinion alone. She predicted that Democratic lawmakers would use appropriations committees to restrict federal funds for specific military operations. This budgetary control could force a change in the trajectory of the Iran conflict. Trita Parsi, an Iran expert at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, warned that some war supporters might view the two months before the new Congress convenes as a final window to escalate hostilities.

Oversight committees will also examine potential corruption within the administration. Applebaum expects investigations into financial dealings between people close to the president and foreign entities. She specifically questioned the competence of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the advisory process during the Iran war. While Congress cannot force policy changes due to presidential veto power, these inquiries could provide a different public narrative regarding U.S. foreign policy.

For Ukraine, the shift may solidify a bipartisan coalition that supports continued aid. Applebaum anticipates legislation that would require the president to reimpose sanctions on Russia. Lawmakers will also review disruptions to Ukrainian satellite communications, including Starlink and Starshield services. The Pentagon's inspector general previously declined a bipartisan request to investigate these slowdowns, which Ukrainian officials said hindered their ability to intercept Russian drones. The new Congress is expected to press for further answers on these technical issues and the administration's negotiations with Moscow.