Regulations and Government
Congressional Observer: December 2004
• So, President George W.

• So, President George W. Bush won the election and will serve four more years in the White House. Cabinet changes are the subject of speculation, but Department of Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta’s name has not surfaced as of press time. Troubled by back problems, Mineta may or may not stay on.

The congressional elections did not change the controlling party in either house. Republicans maintained majority control in both the Senate (55 to 44 Democrats and one Independent) and the House of Representatives (231 to 200 Democrats, one Independent and 3 Undecided), an important consideration since Republicans will chair all of the Congressional committees. The Senate has term limit rules that will cause a few changes in committee leadership, but the House has no similar rules.