Republicans defend grip on US Congress, paving way for party to reshape Washington

Washington

REPUBLICANS maintained their majorities in both chambers of the US Congress in a momentous election on Tuesday in which Republican Donald Trump won the presidency, empowering the party to reshape Washington.

The GOP sweep sets up the United States for two years of "unified" government, which would normally mean significant policy change, although Mr Trump's election was anything but normal and he will start his presidency with unusual handicaps.