November Elections Could Reshape Congress, but Major Changes Would Take Time

GOVERNMENT & CIVIC AFFAIRS | EXPLAINER | October 14, 2026

By Steven Bullcoming Haworth | Truth in Focus

WASHINGTON — With the November 3 midterm elections approaching, voters will decide who represents them in the U.S. House of Representatives and a portion of the Senate. However, the outcome will not immediately change the composition of Congress.

Under the Twentieth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, the terms of newly elected members of Congress begin at noon on January 3, 2027. Until that transition, the existing Congress retains its legislative authority and can continue considering bills, conducting hearings and carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.

What Could Change After January?

If either party gains control of a chamber, its majority could influence committee leadership, legislative priorities, oversight investigations and the consideration of federal spending measures.

Congressional committees may investigate government agencies and programs, request records and conduct hearings. However, oversight authority does not automatically reverse a federal policy or restore funding to an eliminated program.

Passing new legislation generally requires approval from both chambers of Congress and the president. A presidential veto can be overridden with a two-thirds vote in both chambers.

What About Impeachment?

The House has the constitutional authority to impeach federal officials. The Senate conducts impeachment trials, and conviction requires a two-thirds vote of senators present. Impeachment by the House does not automatically remove an official from office. Neither an election result nor a change in party control automatically begins an impeachment proceeding.

What Happens to Education and Tribal Programs?

Changes affecting federal education programs, tribal services, health care and agency funding depend on the legal authority involved. Some programs are established by federal statute, others are administered through agency regulations and others depend on annual appropriations. Restoring or modifying them may involve legislation, administrative action, court decisions or a combination of these processes.

For Montana residents, the important question after November will not simply be which party controls Congress. It will also be what elected officials can legally accomplish, how quickly changes can occur and whether federal funding and services affecting local communities will change.

Sources: National Archives — Twentieth Amendment; U.S. Senate — U.S. Constitution; Montana Secretary of State — Election Calendars.