One week of 2017 had not had time to pass before the Republican Party engaged in highly questionable activities. This seems like a bad omen of things to come under the upcoming Trump presidency.
Speaker of the House Paul Ryan met with Vice President-elect Mike Pence, along with Republican Congress leaders, to discuss plans for taking down ObamaCare. This is in line with Trump’s previous statements promising to dismantle the insurance program very shortly after assuming office. Pence and Ryan are confident that they can get rid of ObamaCare, but one problem looms over the whole situation. GOP lawmakers have not revealed any kind of plan with which they can replace it. While claiming to have plenty of ideas and plans ready to implement, Republican leaders have yet to explain any further details.
Meanwhile, the House Republicans are planning to cause problems for the United Nations. After disagreeing with a recent vote that the current U.S. administration cast for the U.N., members of the House have decided to attempt to take away funding for the U.N. Their legislation would severely reduce or even completely terminate funds that are given to the United Nations. This kind of action is a nightmare for diplomacy and should be watched carefully in the coming weeks.
Previously this week, some GOP members also attempted to cripple the Office of Congressional Ethics. This office is responsible for making sure that corruption is kept down to a minimum–weakening it would be truly unethical. This potentially disastrous situation ended up being one of inspiration. After receiving endless messages and public outrage against this action, GOP members agreed to cancel their plans.
The ethics office will continue to keep an eye on our politicians and make sure things run smoothly and honestly.
The next four years may be very difficult, with Republicans controlling most of the seats of power in America. However, as demonstrated by the GOP’s failed attempt to dismantle the Office of Congressional Ethics, the people’s voices matter. By taking to their phones, social media and more, Americans were able to persuade Republican leaders to change their course of action. This is a powerful reminder that there is power in numbers. The GOP may be in charge for now, but there is much we can do to make sure that they do not commit any injustice.
