As the United States approaches the midterm elections scheduled for November 3, Democrats are likely to gain control of Congress based on polling. In this context, Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) announced this week that if re-elected, she will help Democrats block Donald Trump's agreements regarding Venezuelan oil production.
Focus on the Energy Industry and Potential Oversights
By gaining control of Congress, Democrats will be able to set the agenda for committees and research programs. It seems that the focus on climate change will decrease compared to the 117th Congress, with more attention being paid to economic aspects and energy costs. Additionally, Trump's energy agreements, particularly corporate stakes, will be of interest to Democrats.
Meanwhile, oversight of oil companies and their profit margins is likely to come back into focus. During the previous Democratic control of Congress, the Subcommittee on Environmental Oversight held several sessions where executives from major oil companies testified.
Countering the Venezuelan Oil Agreement and Mineral Policies
Trump's agreement to control 17 oil fields in Venezuela, which gives the U.S. the right to extract 20 percent of the country's oil production, has faced opposition from Democrats. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) has described the agreement as unacceptable and expressed concern over the 35 percent stake of the Department of Defense in a non-American company.
Furthermore, Democrats are increasingly attentive to the need for diversification in the supply chain of critical minerals and reducing dependence on China. There are also concerns about transparency and workers' rights in this area, which could lead to increased oversight of Trump's mineral policies.
Ultimately, with rising electricity demand, Democrats are leaning towards greater support for increasing nuclear capacity. These changes may be implemented as part of the new policies of Democrats if they win the upcoming elections.
