Symbol of American democracy, the United States Congress faces an extraordinary presidency. Between concerns and resilience, plunged behind the scenes of this institution at the heart of American legislative power.
At the top of the Capitol hill in Washington, the United States Congress embodies American legislative power. This institution, yet marginalized by the multiple decrees of Donald Trump, remains an essential counterweight to the functioning of democracy.
A sprawling complex in the heart of Washington
Congress is not just a building. It is a real city in the city, employing more than 20,000 people. The complex includes the Senate with its 100 senators, the House of Representatives and its 435 elected officials, as well as a dozen annex buildings.
A republican said to me one day: ‘It’s just a game’ … But for me it’s more than a game, you play with my living conditions
At the center sits the famous rotunda, visited each year by 3 million tourists. In the basements extend tens of kilometers of corridors, sometimes linked together by a small metro. There is everything you need: police, cafeterias, laundromat, bank, souvenir shop and even a hair salon.
“They come here, speak together, make jokes … But when we see them on TV, they are very different. A republican told me one day: ‘It’s just a game’ … But for me it’s more than a game, you play with my living conditions,” says Veronica Baugh, hairdresser at the Capitol since 2010.
A threatened historical heritage?
The American Constitution places legislative power in its first article, stressing its importance. “Legislative power is supposed to be the closest to the people, so we can say that it is the first among the three branches of power,” explains Samuel Holliday, vice-president of the Historical Society of Capitol.
I think we are right to be worried. Both in the United States, Switzerland, and everywhere else. All democracies must feel concerned
However, some elected officials are concerned about the balance of powers under the chairmanship of Donald Trump. “The president and his administration are trying to dismantle the government as we know it,” said Kweisi Mfume, Democrat representative of Maryland. “The congress has reached a point where it must clearly play its role as defined in the Constitution.”
“I think we are right to be worried. Both in the United States, Switzerland, and everywhere else. All democracies must feel concerned,” warns Kweisi Mfume.
Crucial responsibilities
The elected officials of Congress have immense responsibilities: voting the laws, approving the federal budget or conducting parliamentary surveys.
However, faced with Donald Trump’s presidential decrees, the influence of congress as a counterpour is put to the test.
It worked for almost 250 years and it will continue to work
“It is the majority that determines the power that the Congress exercises. And the Republicans have decided not to use this power,” deplores Stacey Plaskett, Democrat Delegate of the US Virgin Islands. “I am worried because many of my colleagues have given up this responsibility.”
Resilient democracy despite crises
The Republicans, for their part, reject the idea of a constitutional crisis. “It worked for almost 250 years and it will continue to work,” says Ron Estes, republican representative of Kansas.
These 250 years of history are also marked by crises and violence, such as the assault of the Capitol by supporters of Donald Trump on January 6, 2021. An event which recalls that American democracy, although resilient, remains tormented.
Reportage TV: Tristan Dessert
Web text: Victorien Kissling
