Impact of the 2018 Midterm Elections: New Diversity Creates New Opportunities

Earlier this month, the American electorate turned out in record numbers and flipped the U.S. House of Representatives to Democratic control, electing the most diverse set of new members in our history. This change could have major repercussions for historic preservation policy.

More than 100 women will serve in the House of Representatives and 23 will serve in the Senate. This represents the most women serving in Congress in history. The first two Native American women and the first two Muslim women were elected to the House. The number of African-American members will reach a high of 55 and the number of Latino members will be 43. Also, 10 openly LGBT members will serve in the next Congress. This degree of diversity will have a direct impact on how Congress addresses cultural resources policies.

With the growth of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), issues affecting the African-American community will likely receive more attention. Specific programs, such as preservation efforts at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, will likely get more support. Legislation that highlights the African-American experience, like bills creating a network of sites related to the Underground Railroad, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Reconstruction Era, are also more apt to gain traction in Congress.

Several CBC members are poised to chair committees, including Rep. Eddie Bernice Jones, who will lead the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology. She has already pledged to address climate change in her committee and as part of a joint effort with the Committees on Energy and Commerce and Natural Resources. With Congressional leaders willing to discuss the impacts of climate change, there will be opportunities to highlight how rising sea levels threaten archaeological resources.

The election of two Native American women to the U.S. House will bring increased attention to tribal matters. Also, the Democratic victory means that Rep. Raul Grijalva will chair the House Natural Resources Committee. Rep. Grijalva’s district includes 7 tribes, and he is vocal in his support for tribal sovereignty and government-to-government relationships. Rep. Grijalva sponsored the RESPECT Act, a bill which would mandate that federal agencies consult with tribes before taking a variety of major actions. The bill would codify a Clinton-era executive order that has never had the force of law.

Individual members will also draw from personal experience to highlight the importance of diversity in policy-making. For example, Senator Tammy Duckworth (an Asian-American woman, combat veteran, and double amputee) just published an editorial in The State Journal-Register arguing for national parks to recognize the histories of diverse peoples and cultures. She also advocated for making the national parks more accessible to all people.

When the new Congress convenes in January, they will begin to craft legislation and use committee hearings to highlight the issues that matter to them. This represents a new opportunity for the historic preservation community to work with a more diverse group of members to help preserve and share the American story — including the voices of traditionally underrepresented communities.

For updates on how the Coalition for American Heritage is working with Congress to promote heritage preservation, sign up as an individual member.