The 112th U.S. Congress convened Jan. 5 with Republicans pledging to reverse the political and economic direction, forming a divided government that threatens gridlock.

The new Republican majority in the House of Representatives has pledged to slash the federal budget and reduce a national debt that now exceeds $14 trillion.

It also plans to hold a repeal vote for the Affordable Care Act, President Barack Obama’s signature health care legislation, but their majority in the House still faces obstacles to achieving its legislative goals. The Democrats retain a six-member advantage in the Senate, and Obama wields the threat of his veto pen.

Know North Carolina’s delegation in Washington

U.S. House of Representatives:

G.K. Butterfield, D-1st District
Renee Ellmers, R-2nd District
Walter B. Jones, R-3rd District
David Price, D-4th District
Virginia Foxx, R-5th District
Howard Coble, R-6th District
Mike McIntyre, D-7th District
Larry Kissell, D-8th District
Sue Myrick, R-9th District
Patrick McHenry, R-10th District
Heath Shuler, D-11th District
Mel Watt, D-12th District
Brad Miller, D-13th District

U.S. Senate:

Richard Burr, Republican
Kay Hagan, Democrat

Legislative priorities for the Republican majority

Cutting spending

“[Congresswoman Ellmers] has already taken action to cut spending by voting to cut the House’s own budget last week,” said Lorie Byrd, spokeswoman for Rep. Ellmers, in an e-mail.

Raising the debt ceiling

“I don’t think any fiscal conservative would argue for defaulting on government loans. The reality is we will have to raise the debt ceiling, but I would support spending cut amendments put on a must-pass bill,” said Anthony Dent, chairman of the UNC College Republicans.

Repeal of health care law

“A drastic repeal would not be the best thing for the country, but Democrats are open to looking into reasonable alternatives or amending specific provisions,” said Burton Peebles, co-president of the UNC Young Democrats.

What do you think about the Republican majority in the new Congress?

“I think it’s always good to be careful in how you’re spending as long as it’s responsible.”
Kelly Downing, senior, Economics

“Republicans should use their new power to push alternative policies to get even more health care coverage for Americans.”
Adam Meyer, Junior, Environmental Sciences

“The economy is really bad, but instead of seeing it as a party issue, everyone needs to come together.”
Marlena Moore, Sophomore, Psychology