You are currently viewing the summary.
View Full TextLog in to view the full text
AAAS login provides access to Science for AAAS members, and access to other journals in the Science family to users who have purchased individual subscriptions.
More options
Download and print this article for your personal scholarly, research, and educational use.
Buy a single issue of Science for just $15 USD.
Summary
Science advocates are hoping the new Democratic majority in both houses of Congress will team up with President-elect Joe Biden "to move forward in ways that are transformational and not incremental." The narrow edge in the Senate will make it easier for Biden to win confirmation of his appointees and for Congress to revoke controversial rules finalized in the final 5 months of President Donald Trump's administration. It could also help Democrats enact promised legislation aimed at curbing climate change and boosting federal investments in research, infrastructure, and public health. But a narrowly divided and highly polarized Congress will likely constrain efforts to realize the most ambitious proposals put forward by policymakers and advocacy groups. And Democrats could have as little as 2 years to exercise their expanded powers if the midterm elections in November 2022 gives Republicans a chance to regain one or two bodies.
