Major corporations in the United States are preparing for the likelihood that a new GOP majority in the House of Representatives will lead to partisan gridlock for the next two years, as well as multiple Republican-led investigations into government corruption.
The Hill reports that, while the battle for control of the Senate is still ongoing, the Republican Party appears likely to reclaim a narrow majority in the House. Republicans leading up to the midterms have promised to launch investigations into allegations of corruption and abuse of power by Joe Biden, ranging from his family’s multiple suspicious foreign business deals, to the crisis on the border, to the weaponization of the Department of Justice (DOJ) against political opponents.
In addition, Republicans may carry out probes of various corporations that are actively implementing far-left agendas that seek to undermine the United States; such efforts to artificially increase “diversity” are referred to as “woke,” or may fall under the category of “ESG” (environmental, social, and governance) initiatives being pushed by international left-wing groups and activists. The GOP has also long promised to go after the various Big Tech companies for their blatant and overwhelming censorship of conservatives, including popular former President Donald Trump.
“If you’re outside of government looking at this Republican House, these are not the same types of Republicans that came in in 2011 in terms of how they view companies and corporate actors,” said Karen Christian, a partner at Akin Gump and former House GOP staffer for the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
Corporate America has also targeted Republicans in the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election. In the wake of widespread and credible allegations of mass voter fraud in that election benefiting Joe Biden, multiple congressional Republicans voted against certification of the election results; following the peaceful protest at the U.S. Capitol on January 6th by a crowd of Trump supporters, many corporations announced that they would halt donations to Republican candidates and groups, though some companies have since reversed course and resumed such donations.
“How business approaches Republicans in this next Congress will very much dictate whether lawmakers will want to work with them or not,” said GOP lobbyist Casey Higgins, a former aide to former Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wisc.). “Frankly, I think there’s a lot that needs to be done to mend those relationships.”
The new members of Congress, who will serve in the 118th Congress, will be sworn into office on January 3rd, 2023.