18.3.2 Factors that affect voting behaviour within Congress

Constituents

One of the most significant factors influencing how members of Congress vote is their constituents' opinions. Representatives and senators are keenly aware that their chances of re-election depend heavily on whether they align with the views of those they represent. This often leads to members voting against their party's line if they hold a marginal seat where the electorate's support is not guaranteed.

Electoral Influence

Members are acutely aware of the need to consider public opinion in their districts or states. For example, two House Democrats voted against Trump's impeachment because their districts had supported Trump in the 2016 presidential election. Similarly, Senator Joe Manchin frequently votes with Republicans, reflecting the conservative leanings of his West Virginia constituents, as seen in his opposition to Biden's Build Back Better program.

Local Representation

Many representatives and senators are deeply connected to the areas they represent. For instance, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) defeated a long-serving incumbent, Jim Crowley, in New York's 14th district by effectively engaging with her community, which has a significant Hispanic population. Her Puerto Rican roots and local activism played a crucial role in her victory.

Responsive Voting

Senators like John McCain, Susan Collins, and Lisa Murkowski have demonstrated the importance of aligning with constituent preferences by opposing the repeal of the Affordable Care Act due to the lack of a viable alternative, reflecting the concerns of their voters.

Caucuses

Caucuses within Congress represent factions or groups of members who share common interests or ideologies. These groups often vote together, influencing the legislative process.

Republican Caucus

The House Freedom Caucus, the most conservative faction within the Republican Party, strongly supports Trump and played a significant role in the removal of moderate Kevin McCarthy as Speaker in 2023.

Congressional Black Caucus

Comprised of African American members of Congress, this caucus has been instrumental in pushing for legislation such as the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021, which passed the House but failed in the Senate.

Congressional Steel Caucus

A bipartisan group representing regions with steel manufacturing, the Steel Caucus advocates for policies that support the American steel industry, reflecting the interests of their constituents.

Party and Political Leadership

While party leadership exerts some influence over voting behavior, especially through the use of whips and the promise of rewards like committee chairmanships or pork-barrel projects, the power of party leaders in the US is more limited compared to other political systems.

Partisan Voting

The increasing partisanship in US politics has led to more voting along party lines. For example, no Democrats supported Trump's Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in 2017, and no Republicans voted for Biden's Inflation Reduction Act in 2022. Similarly, the Affordable Care Act passed without any Democratic opposition.

Effective Leadership

Leaders like Nancy Pelosi, who served as an effective Speaker under Biden, were crucial in securing the passage of significant legislation such as the $1 trillion infrastructure plan and the American Rescue Plan through a divided House.

Presidential Influence

The President can have a significant impact on legislation, especially when their party controls both houses of Congress. For instance, Biden's American Rescue Plan passed smoothly through a united government. However, divisive issues like Trump's attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act or Obama's DREAM Act often highlight intra-party divisions.

Lobbyists

Lobbyists wield considerable influence in congressional elections and policymaking through financial contributions and advocacy.

Campaign Contributions

Lobbyists and interest groups contribute significantly to election campaigns, often through Political Action Committees (PACs). In 2022, lobbyists spent $3.78 billion, with the National Association of Realtors, the US Chamber of Commerce, and the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America among the top spenders.

Impact on Legislation

The influence of lobbyists can sometimes lead to legislators prioritizing the interests of donors over those of their constituents. For instance, big businesses and pharmaceutical companies outspend their opponents, potentially compromising the independence of legislators.

Grassroots Mobilization

Organizations like the AARP, with their large and active membership, can mobilize voters to support or oppose candidates, creating a significant impact on election outcomes.

Debates Around Congressional Elections

Electoral Function

Congressional elections are seen as successful in their frequency, allowing the electorate to regularly hold representatives and senators accountable. The differing term lengths for the House and Senate complement each other, with the House operating under the delegate model and the Senate under the trustee model.

Challenges to Democracy

However, the high success rate of incumbents suggests that congressional elections often result in little change, potentially weakening democracy. The prevalence of safe seats due to gerrymandering and the financial advantages enjoyed by incumbents further exacerbate this issue.

Descriptive Representation

Diversity in Congress

Congress remains less diverse than the US population. While 28% of members are women and a quarter are non-white, this does not fully reflect the demographics of the nation, where 41% of the population is non-white. The average age of Congress members is 58, with the oldest being 90. This lack of diversity has been cited as a reason for the failure to pass more radical legislation, such as the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.

Representation of Interests

Constituent Engagement

Members of Congress spend considerable time engaging with their constituents, often holding town halls and emphasizing their role in representing local interests. For instance, representatives from agricultural districts often sit on relevant committees like the House Agriculture Committee to advocate for their constituents' needs.

National vs. Local Interests

Critics argue that Congress sometimes fails to represent national interests due to an overemphasis on pork-barrel amendments and local concerns. The high level of partisanship has also led to less compromise and a failure to pass significant legislation, while the importance of campaign finance makes members vulnerable to the demands of lobbyists and interest groups.