The Republican Senators from Missouri and Kansas—Josh Hawley, Eric Schmitt, and Roger Marshall—have spent the majority of their relatively short Senate careers in the minority party. As members of the minority, their roles have primarily revolved around opposing Democratic initiatives, with limited opportunities to shape or pass significant legislation.
But now, with Republicans in control of the Senate, the House, and the White House, the trio finally has the power to influence policy, enact laws, and potentially make a lasting impact. However, the question remains: how will they wield this power?
The early days of this new Senate term offer a glimpse into their priorities and strategies.
Eric Schmitt Targets DEI
Missouri Senator Eric Schmitt has made a name for himself by opposing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, which aim to create more inclusive environments for women and minorities.
During the confirmation hearing for defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth, Schmitt reiterated his disdain for DEI, calling it “cultural Marxism” and labeling it “poison.”
Schmitt argued that DEI promotes “race essentialism” and fosters a divisive oppressor-versus-oppressed mindset. Unfortunately, his moment in the spotlight was overshadowed by a blunder: a misspelled chart displayed during his remarks.
The chart, titled “DEI in our miltary,” quickly became a topic of ridicule and national attention. Even Democratic Senator Tim Kaine chimed in on social media, noting the irony of criticizing military standards while using a flawed visual aid.
Josh Hawley Pushes for Families
Josh Hawley, known for blending Trumpist ideals with a push for more worker- and family-centric policies, took a bold step last week by advocating for an expanded child tax credit. On the Senate floor, he proposed increasing the current credit from $2,000 to $5,000 per child, with families having the option to receive payments throughout the year.
Hawley emphasized the need for the Republican Party to prioritize families over corporate interests, stating, “The Republican Party has too often spoken up for corporate interests instead of the interests of families.”
While the idea has merit, its success remains uncertain. Only three Republican senators supported a similar proposal last year. Hawley’s initiative could either mark a shift in GOP priorities or leave him as an outlier in his own party.
Roger Marshall: Legislative Moves and Media Presence
Kansas Senator Roger Marshall has introduced a bill aimed at easing restrictions on ammunition imports, aligning with his pro-Second Amendment stance. However, much of his time appears to be devoted to media engagements.
Last week alone, Marshall made multiple appearances on Fox Business and Real America’s Voice, defending Donald Trump’s cabinet choices and rallying support for the former president’s agenda.
Marshall’s heavy media presence, while effective for reaching certain audiences, often lacks substantive policy discussion. As he transitions into the majority party, it remains to be seen whether he will focus more on legislative achievements or continue prioritizing television appearances.
Challenges of Governing in the Majority
For Senators Hawley, Schmitt, and Marshall, the shift from opposing Democratic initiatives to governing with a Republican majority presents a new set of challenges.
Governing demands more than vocal criticism; it requires crafting viable policies and building consensus.
Key Challenges:
| Challenge | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Moving Beyond Rhetoric | Transitioning from opposition to actionable legislative efforts. |
| Building Party Consensus | Aligning their priorities with the broader Republican agenda. |
| Overcoming Public Scrutiny | Balancing public perception while avoiding missteps like Schmitt’s chart error. |
| Achieving Policy Success | Ensuring their proposals, such as Hawley’s child tax credit, gain traction within Congress. |
With their party in control, Senators Hawley, Schmitt, and Marshall are now in a position to enact meaningful change. The early signs of their legislative and public actions suggest different approaches: Schmitt’s combative stance on DEI, Hawley’s family-first tax policy, and Marshall’s focus on Second Amendment rights and media presence.
Whether they rise to the occasion and deliver tangible results for Missouri, Kansas, and the nation remains to be seen. The coming years will reveal whether they have the capability to lead or if they will remain defined by opposition.
