The New Century: A Parliament for The People

[Kamala]

Chapter 0: Introduction
Today marks the beginning of the 28th American Parliament - a new three-year term, with a government to be formed and a Prime Minister to be selected. Current Federal Governor, and former Prime Minister, Jimmy Carter has been appointed by the previous Parliament to lead a caretaker government until the new Parliament can form a government.

Carter was just 7 years old when the Constitutional Crisis of 1931 occurred. President Herbert Hoover, a good man but a poor President, could not contain the extreme economic downturn, the Depression. Unemployment reached historic highs, higher than 25% and, in some states, such as Carter's native Georgia, more than a third of the workforce was unemployed. The Congress of the United States refused to cooperate with President Hoover, rejecting all of his proposals for recovery; in turn, Hoover vetoed every bill and resolution passed by the Congress. A showdown in Washington ensued, and the victim was the American people.

The states decided to take matters into their own hands. Congress, realizing this initiative, duly passed an order for a constitutional convention of the states, never before seen in American history. Within two weeks of the order's passing, delegates from the 48 states assembled in St Louis, Missouri. Within two months, the Convention rewrote the Constitution. While many protections and balances from the original document were left in place, the Constitution of 1931 was strikingly different in a few ways: it did away with the President entirely. The Executive Branch was melted into the Legislative. The Senate was gone completely, and the House of Representatives became Parliament.

Now, the newly assembled 28th Parliament of the United States has taken its seats; only time will tell what the orchestra will play.


Labor Party - 174 Seats / Leader: Nancy Pelosi (California)
Liberal Party - 121 Seats / Leader: Paul Ryan (Wisconsin)
Conservative Party - 104 Seats / Leader: Cathy McMorris Rodgers (Washington)
Farmer-Populist Party - 19 Seats / Leader: Collin Peterson (Minnesota)
Libertarian Party - 11 Seats / Leader: Don Young (Alaska)
New Deseret Party - 5 Seats / Leader: Jason Chaffetz (Utah)
Native Interests' Party - 2 Seats / Leader: Dan Boren (Oklahoma)








A big thanks to m&m for creating this district map.

[Kamala]

Chapter 1.1: Ladies, let's get in formation.



Nancy Pelosi was never known to be a great speaker - she rose through the ranks of Labor due to her unparalleled fundraising ability and her power to keep Representatives toeing the party line.

But tonight, November 8th, 2016, Nancy thought it was time for some oratory. Her party now rose to be the largest in Parliament, for the first time in years. Nearly 140 seats have already been called for Labor candidates, and as the night continues to roll in, many more are expected to be deemed won by other members.

From a convention hall in Washington, DC, Nancy walked on stage, joined by many of her female colleagues, ready to address the excited crowd that had gathered.

"Today the American people have shown that decency in politics rests not on the right side of the political spectrum. It doesn't rest with the Liberals, who have prioritized tax cuts for the wealthy while the rest of us scrabble to get by. It doesn't rest with the Conservatives, who have continuously fought against the march of progress that has made life for all of us better. It rests with Labor.

We are the party of the working man and working woman. We are the party of the middle class family. We are the party of justice, of equality, of economic stability. And tonight, we have shown the world that the American people are willing to fight for their values.

Our country's future is bright. We will bring back the rights of workers that have been lost under the previous administration. We will expand programs that help everyday Americans - healthcare, education, infrastructure. We will strengthen Social Security to insure that not one senior citizen lives under the looming shadow of poverty. Together, let's craft a road to prosperity.

Thank you, goodnight, and may we wake up tomorrow with a smile on our faces and a ready attitude to work."

Nancy walked off the stage. Her fellow Labor member, Bonnie Watson Coleman, a freshman representative from New Jersey just elected to her sophomore term, began to give a fiery speech on reforming many government organizations, many of which were hamstrung by budget cuts from the Ryan government.

For just one night, Nancy was happy. She knew the next few weeks would lead her to begin the difficult task of forming a functioning government. She knew she had a chance to make history - to be the first female Prime Minister of the United States.

[Kamala]

Chapter 1.2: Liberals in the Woods

Prime Minister Paul Ryan always knew he'd hold the most powerful and coveted seat in the United States. However, he never thought he'd inherit it in the middle of a crisis. His predecessor, former Ohio representative John Boehner, resigned in the middle of his second term as Prime Minister during the most devastating budget crisis the country had ever seen. While the Liberals held a strong plurality in Parliament, opposition both from rural Representatives within the party and from the Conservatives over the funding of Planned Parenthood hamstrung the Parliament, preventing it from passing any semblance of a budget. Over three months after the budgetary due date the Parliament was in gridlock, only resolved by Boehner's resignation and Tax Minister Ryan's promise to remove funding from Planned Parenthood. While this move was begrudgingly accepted by the urban wing of the Liberals, it did allow the government to resume functioning.

The Ryan government was unstable, caught flat footed by trouble overseas in Syria, Iran, and the South China Sea, unable to approve any sort of trade deal such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership, and inherently distrusted by the people, seeing as its leader was almost unelected.

On the day after the election, Ryan spoke to a crowd in Kenosha, Wisconsin. With a tear in his eyes and sad tone, he spoke tersely.

"Yesterday was not a good day for the Liberal Party; it would be foolish to believe otherwise. Yet we are still the second largest party in Parliament, and there is hope for us in the upcoming days. I wish Leader Pelosi the best of luck when it comes to forming a government. But believe me when I say, we will be back. The Liberals have not been, and will never be, driven into the woods."

Briskly, he walked off the stage. Ryan worried for his future - he had led his party to failure. Whether they will keep him on as Leader will determine if his claim of "we will be back" was merely hollow platitude or a prediction he expected to uphold.


Note: I want to implement an interactive element into this TL - specifically, allowing you, the readers, to participate by being the people in the polls. Does anyone know of a good, free service for me to use to ask several polling questions and post it on here?


Part 2

Federal Governor Jimmy Carter, a universally respected politician and former Prime Minister, was appointed by unanimous vote of the Parliament a few weeks before the election as the Acting President of the United States. Although the title and office of "President" hasn't existed since the 1930s, it was still used as an honorary title for the man or woman chosen to serve as interim leader between the campaign period and the formation of the new government.

The 92-year old Federal Governor, a week after the election, when all the districts results have been verified, knew it was time to announce the formateur, the person who will have the mandate to form a government from Parliament.

Carter arrived at Capitol Hill at 10:30 AM, November 15th, a cold, rainy day. Within the Old Senate Chamber, Carter addressed the crowd of reporters and cameras.

"Good morning, everyone. Before I get to the announcement that everyone have been waiting for, I would first like to thank the Parliament of the United States and the people of our great nation, for this wonderful opportunity to serve my country once again.

Of course, it is now time for the big news. It is obvious, that with 174 seats, that the formateur of the new Government should come from the Labor Party. And there is no one better suited for that role than that party's leader. Thus, I do nominate Nancy Pelosi as the formateur of the United States of America. Thank you.

[Kamala]

This is the best what-if scenario I've read in a while

One question, though: with the Presidency abolished, who's acting as a head of state for ceremonial/diplomatic purposes?

I think in this system, the head of state is fused with the head of government, sort of similar to the South African model, except that the President is also a member of Parliament. So I guess it actually doesn't have a real-life equivalent.

[Kamala]

This is the best what-if scenario I've read in a while

One question, though: with the Presidency abolished, who's acting as a head of state for ceremonial/diplomatic purposes?

I think in this system, the head of state is fused with the head of government, sort of similar to the South African model, except that the President is also a member of Parliament. So I guess it actually doesn't have a real-life equivalent.

It's a Nauruan model too, I think.

Personally (just a suggestion) I'd have some sort of non-executive head of state, similar to Germany. Since the title "President" is discredited, such a ceremonial head of state could be called Governor General, Chairman etc. Preferably filled by a respected elder stateman, such as Carter.

Retroactively fixed - the Head of State is the Federal Governor of the United States.

[Kamala]

Chapter 1.3: Roll up your sleeves, Madame Minister

And we're back to Anderson Cooper's interview with the leader of the Labor Party and formateur of the United States, Nancy Pelosi.

Anderson: Good morning and thanks for being here, Leader Pelosi.

Nancy: Oh, call me Nancy. And thank you and CNN for having me.

Anderson: Congratulations on your appointment of formateur.

Nancy: Thank you.

Anderson: So, Nancy, for those watching at home, your party has 174 seats in this latest Parliament, and you need at least 219 to govern with majority support. Who will fill the 45-seat gap?

Nancy: Well, Anderson, I've obviously thought about that. And I think Labor has plenty of possible coalition partners–

Anderson: Like who?

Nancy: Well, the Farmer-Populists, for starters. We share many of the same values and we both believe that we can use government to work for the working class.

Anderson: The Farmer-Populists only have 19 seats. That means you're still missing 26 seats. Where are you planning to find those?

Nancy: Trust me, we've got many options. We're working on it, Anderson.

Anderson: Tell me about those options.

Nancy: Well, we could always work with the Liberals–

Anderson: Whom you've decried as being controlled by the rich and serving their interests.

Nancy: Well, yes, but attitudes during campaign season change when it comes to governing.

Anderson: Don't you feel like you'll betray your voters then? Assuming you get their support in exchange for fulfilling some part of their agenda.

Nancy: Anderson, no government in the history of this country has been able to fulfill all of their promises and their entire manifesto. Even the great Prime Minister Franklin D. Roosevelt wasn't able to bring all of his plans to fruition, and he had control of nearly 400 seats in Parliament. Compromise has always been the American way, and I see no reason for my government to be different. I will still make sure we get a majority of our manifesto passed, and I'm sure Labor voters will see that and be in agreement.

Anderson: Well, thank you Nancy. That's all the time we have here today.

Goddamn, I blew it, didn't I? Nancy thought to herself.

[Kamala]

Chapter 1.4: The Telephone Game

Despite an embarrassing interview with Anderson Cooper, Nancy's approvals stayed relatively stable. A Public Policy Polling poll conducted over the weekend found the following results.

Which of the following would be the best Prime Minister, in your opinion?
Nancy Pelosi - 41%
Cathy McMorris Rodgers - 27%
Paul Ryan - 11%
Collin Peterson - 9%
Somebody Else/Don't Know - 12%

On Wednesday, Labor leader Nancy Pelosi had an interview with Anderson Cooper. Among other things, she stated that "compromise is the American way" and that, if elected Prime Minister, would not be able to fulfill all campaign promises of Labor. How does that impact your perception of her?
Improved my opinion - 14%
No Change - 69%
Decreased my opinion - 17%

It was now high time for some coalition-building, lest public opinion change for the worse. Nancy left the Capitol and caught a taxicab to Watergate, headquarters of the Labor Party. Approximately forty-five years ago, the complex was the scene of the greatest political scandal in American history. Prime Minister Richard Nixon's allies broke into the Labor headquarters ahead of an election and afterwards attempted to cover it up. The following scandal that emerged led to not only the resignation of Prime Minister Nixon, it also led to the death of a major political party, the Union for the Republic. Its collapse led to the eventual emergence of both the Conservatives and the Liberals. Thus, Watergate held symbolic value for the Labor Party, representing their victory over the criminal activities of the disgraced Prime Minister and the Union for the Republic.

Evening had just set in. The office complex was emptying, but Nancy knew she had a long night ahead of her. She sat down at her desk, and begin the long, arduous process of dialing party leaders.

Collin

Collin Peterson has been the leader of the Farmer-Populist Party since 2002, when leader Paul Wellstone perished in a small airplane crash. Ever since, Collin has led his party to more electoral success, expanding its appeal beyond just the Midwest and expanded into the south and west.

"Collin, you know my offer. Work with us in Parliament, you'll get two ministries, just as promised. Farm subsidies will be increased in budgets."

"Well, Nancy. Good evening. Thanks for calling me. I know we had an agreement before the election, but circumstances have changed. My party members have expressed concern over your unhesitating desire to work with the Liberals and compromise. You saw what happened to Paul after that disastrous budget deal with the Conservatives. I can't have that happen to the Farmers."

"Jesus Christ, Collin. We had an agreement."

"I know, I know, Nancy. But I told you, circumstances have changed."

"I can't believe you're giving up this opportunity to work in government. You haven't done this since the Clinton government."

"I can't risk losing support, Nancy."

"Tell you what, Collin. I've got a new deal. 20% increase on farm subsidies in the budget. Three ministries instead of two. None of the big four, obviously. What do you think?"

"Guarantee me agriculture, and I'll see what I can do."

"Thank you Collin. Have a good evening."

One down.

Paul

The Liberals were in a ditch, Paul Ryan knew that. But the one thing that was more uncertain than the future of the Liberal Party was his own political career. While, so far, there haven't been any open challengers or revolts (mostly because no one really wanted his difficult job), there have been whispers of discontentment. Liberal party officials have shown no real concern for Paul's performance as leader, and seem to be content with how he leads. After all, he was basically Prime Minister Gerald Ford, taking over as leader and Prime Minister after his predecessor's resignation. All Paul hoped was that the Liberals would not go the way of the Union for the Republic.

"Paul. Good evening."

"Nancy."

"You know that I need you to work with me if I'm to form a government. I'll give you six ministries. But you have to work with me on the budget."

"Nancy, don't play games with me. Liberal's seats deserve at least eight. And we won't budge on the budget. We're a fiscally conservative party. We support a fiscally conservative budget."

"Paul, I'm your best option. Work with me."

"Don't be ridiculous. Liberals can form a government with the Conservatives just like before the election."

"I guess you really haven't learned your lesson. You think your party's result in the election was just bad luck? People don't want to be led by the Conservatives. How about this - just support us in confidence votes, vote your conscience on legislation."

"I don't think that's the best path for us. Good night, Nancy."

"Night, Paul."

Damn. I'm at the end of my rope. Nancy reclined back in her seat, wondering how to rescue a government before it is even formed. Two hours pass in silence.

Ileana

Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Nancy Pelosi were old friends. Both joined the Parliament within two years of each other, Ileana having won a by-election in South Florida. Despite being members of different parties, their friendship developed as two of the few women in Parliament at that time. However, while Nancy rose through the ranks of Labor, Ileana was treated no better than a backbencher. Yet in her relatively weak position, Ileana created her own caucus within the Liberal Party, the Liberal Main Street Partnership, a centrist coalition.

She finally had her shot to be a kingmaker. She rung up Nancy's office.

"Good evening, Nancy."

"Ileana! I haven't been expecting this call."

"This might be a bit crazy, and I don't know how Paul will react, but I have an offer for you."

"You have my ear, Ileana."

"I've been disrespected by my party's leadership for long enough. They know I want a ministry, yet they consistently pass over me in favor of some incompetent bumpkin from California or wherever. I know I can get at least 30 Representatives to join me and work with you."

"What... Ileana, this is unprecedented."

"I know, I know. And you know this is risky for me. We will be part of your government, but you know I need something in return. Give me an offer and I'll know if you're serious."

"Oh, Ileana. I'm not sure. Three ministries. One of the big four for you."

Silence ensued for two minutes.

"I'm glad you understand me, Nancy. Or should I say, Prime Minister? I'll confer with my caucus and I'll get back to you immediately."

"Ileana, you are a godsend."

"I get that often. Good night, Nancy. Not a word of this gets to Paul."

"Of course. Good night."

Thank you, Ileana. Thank you, Ileana. Nancy packed her things and turned off the lamp. Her dream of being Prime Minister might come to light. Finally.

[Kamala]

Reference for Chapter 1
Parliament

Government - 221:

Labor - 174
Farmer-Populist - 19
Liberals - 28

Official Opposition - 104:

Conservatives - 104

Other Opposition - 111

Liberals - 93
Libertarians - 11
New Deseret - 5
Natives' Interests - 2

The First Pelosi Government
2016-2018

Prime Minister Nancy Pelosi (Lab-San Francisco)

Secondary Minister Adam Schiff (Lab-Burbank)

       

Chancellor Nita Lowey (Lab-Rockland) /   Foreign Minister Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (Lib-Biscayne) /   Defense Minister Adam Smith (Lab-Puget Sound)

       

Justice Minister Barack Obama (Lab-Chicago SW)/Industry Minister Heath Schuler (Lab-Blue Ridge Mts)/Agriculture Minister Collin Peterson (FP-10,000 Lakes)

       

Education Minister Michael Bennet (Lab-Denver North)/Health Minister Michelle Lujan Grisham (Lab-Albuquerque)/Labor Minister Tim Ryan (Lab-Akron East)

       

Welfare Minister Carte Goodwin (Lab-Tygart Valley) /Veterans' Minister Martha McSally (Lib-Chiricahua) / Security Minister Henry Cuellar (Lab-Laredo)

       

Energy Minister Doris Matsui (Lab-Sacremento West) /Minister for Aging Joe Donnelley (Lab-St Joseph) /Trade Minister Ron Kind (FP-Menominee)

       

Transportation Minister Frank LoBoindo (Lib-Cape May) /Environment Minister Betsy Markey (FP-South Platte) /Minister Without Portfolio Joseph P. Kennedy III (Lab-Walden Pond)

[Kamala]

Before I get to the next chapter, I want to answer all questions and concerns readers may have - so ask away!

[Kamala]

What are OTL's MA-02, NC-09, and NC-12 called ITTL (Also others, if applicable)?

Worcester, Sandhills, and Charlotte, respectively. I don't have all of them complied, but I have Alabama through Kansas finished, excluding California, Illinois, and Florida.

[Kamala]

This looks really good. Are all the representatives the same as they are irl?

Not all of them; all of the Conservatives in OTL Republican seats are the same, as are Liberals. Labor in OTL Democrat seats are the same, save for Obama replacing Bobby Rush. Others are varied, just for more correctly ideologically-aligned representatives for their parties; e.g. Betsy Markey in CO-04 instead of Ken Buck, Carte Goodwin instead of Alex Mooney in WV-02. Additionally, since there is no senate, some OTL senators are representatives in this TL, such as Bennet in Colorado, and Donnelley in IN-02 (where he actually was a representative.)

[Kamala]

Chapter 1.5: Mistakes Were Made

Upon the discovery of the rebellion of Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and 27 other party members, the Liberal party leadership were enraged. Nearly a quarter of their caucus went against the will of the leader, and directly helped their main opposition party form a government.

Eric Cantor, a former representative from Virginia, used to be the number three guy in the Liberal party. Yet when he was defeated in a primary and subsequently resigned, he was given a cushy job at the Liberal headquarters in Norfolk, Virginia. Yet, today, his cushy job has been giving him intense headaches. He called Paul Ryan to his office.



"Paul, I hope you understand I don't want to do this. But simply put, our party right now is a national embarrassment."

"I had no idea. Ileana never spoke to me about. Not even Nancy had the decency to tell me this."

"That's exactly the problem, Ryan. You've got no control of your members. You've got no leadership left."

"What do you want me to do, Eric? We're in the woodwork right now. We've been routed in the election, and we've been routed in government formation. What, do you want me to kick the traitors out of the party?"

"No, Ryan. We're going to need those seats if we ever want to gain control of the White House again."

"Then what?"

"I'm certain you won't like this."

"Eric?"

"I'm going to make sure a leadership spill happens. If you survive, I can promise you'll keep your position until after the next election."

"Jesus Christ, Eric. I can't believe you're willing to weaken this party even farther when we're in this position."

"I've got no other choice. You've let our caucus slip through your fingers."

"I wholeheartedly disagree with you."

"That's too bad. I suggest you get your soldiers in line before your army deserts you completely. Good day, Paul."

Paul Ryan left Cantor's office, and drove back to Washington. Once he arrived at his apartment, he turned on the TV, to near-instant regret.



Steve Scalise, the Liberal Representative for Delta, was speaking to reporters.

"I believe the ascension of Paul Ryan to the Liberal Party's leader position was a mistake, and my vote  in support of him was a mistake, which I regret. In order to correct that, I am formally announcing my intentions to run for Leader of the Liberal Party. I am challenging Leader Ryan because it is time that the Liberal Party has a leader that protects the values and the integrity of the party. Ryan has shown his incompetence in governing, in campaigning, and in maintaining party unity. "

God damn it. Paul thought to himself. Could Eric have pushed for a more acrimonious challenger? I don't know how I'm going to survive.

Ryan opened up a beer, gulped it down, and went to sleep. Yet the next morning wouldn't bring any relief.



Kyrsten Sinema (Lib-Maricopa), a rising star in the Liberal party and one of the 28 defectors, was speaking to a crowd inside a theatre in Mesa.

Sh*t, why is this on the news? Paul wondered, clutching a cup of coffee.

"Good morning, Arizona. I know many of us have been upset with Leader Ryan, and I am no different. He has been divisive, he has prevented our party from creating a government that works for America, and he has refused to budge on many issues that have alienated our party from many voters. It's no wonder that in this latest election, the Liberals have performed among the worst they have in the past two decades. It is an embarrassment, and Paul Ryan is an embarrassment.

Although Representative Scalise announced yesterday his intentions to replace Ryan, I do not believe he is the correct path forward for our party. If elected Leader, I believe Mr. Scalise will make the Liberal Party look a lot more like the Conservatives. And that's not right for our party.  He is an improvement over Ryan, but I believe that we, as a party, could do much, much better. Thus, I have an announcement to make.

I am formally nominating my good friend, a great force in our party, Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, for the position of Liberal Party Leader. She has consistently won by impressive margins in areas where our party typically does not perform well. She is not just a Biscayne institution, not just a Florida institution, but an American institution. She has shown that the Liberal Party can thrive if it moderates, if it seized ground that Labor has traditionally dominated.

I hope my fellow representatives will join me in an effort to make our party stronger  and more in touch with Americans. Call your representatives and make sure they make you proud on on January 25th. Have a good morning, and may our party become stronger than ever before."

Well, keeping my job got either a whole lot harder or a whole lot easier. Paul mused. While now there is a champion for the moderate wing of the Liberal Party, there would be more infighting, and both Scalise and Ros-Lehtinen will have to attack each other as well as Ryan.

[Kamala]

Hey y'all - in regards to my latest post - how would you feel about participating as representatives voting for the Liberal Leader. Just a quick poll or something.

I'm gauging if people want that interactive element that could change the direction of the TL, or if they just want me to continue writing it.

Tell me your thoughts!

[Kamala]

Could you possibly provide a list of past Prime Ministers?

Ask and ye shall receive.

1. Franklin D. Roosevelt (Democratic-Farmer-Labor) - 1931-1945
2. Harry S Truman (DFL) - 1945-1948
3. Thomas Dewey (Union for the Republic) - 1948-1951
4. Estes Kefauver (DFL) - 1951-1954
5. Richard M. Nixon (UfR) - 1954-1960
6. John F. Kennedy (DFL) - 1960-1963
7. Lyndon B. Johnson (DFL) - 1963-1968
8. Richard M. Nixon (UfR) - 1968-1973
9. Hubert H. Humphrey (Labor) - 1973-1975
10. James E. Carter (Lab) - 1975-1981
11. Ronald W. Reagan (Conservative) 1981-1990
12. George H.W. Bush (Liberal) - 1990-1993
13. William J. Clinton (Lab) - 1993-1996
14. Newt Gingrich (Con) - 1996-1999
15. Daniel P. Moynihan (Lab) - 1999-2004
16. John Kyl (Con) - 2004-2007
17. John McCain (Lib) - 2007-2010
18. Mark Warner (Lib) - 2010-2013
19. John Boehner (Lib) - 2013-2015
20. Paul Ryan (Lib) - 2015-2016
21. Nancy Pelosi (Lab) - 2016-

[Kamala]

So the Liberals are sort of free-trading Democrats and non-Freedom Caucus Republicans, while Labor is the Democratic Party's left?

Basically. Labor is less socially liberal too.

[Kamala]

Chapter 1.6: Happy Days

The optimism in Washington was palpable. After nearly ten years of Liberal rule, a new party was back in power. Labor's coalition seemed stable enough, and Prime Minister Pelosi was certain she could pass a large portion of her party's manifesto.

First on the agenda was workers' rights; specifically, the issue of women in the workforce. The Supreme Court decided in the 2007 case Ledbetter v. Goodyear that the statute of limitations for equal-pay suits began at the initial discriminatory salary decision, not with every paycheck. The Parliament crafted the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2017, which clarified that the statute of limitations reset with every paycheck. To appease the Liberal members of the coalition, a 1% corporate tax cut incentive was to be given to small businesses who did not have a single equal-pay suit be brought against them in the past year.


With 228 votes in favor (NI and the NDP joined the government in support) and only 208 in opposition, the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2017 became the first major piece of legislation passed by the Pelosi government. Labor Minister Tim Ryan swore to make sure that Ledbetter was well-enforced throughout the fifty states.


The next goal of Labor was to insure insurance for their traditional base: rural blue-collar workers. A bill written by Rep. Joe Manchin (Lab-Canaan Valley), the Energy Workers' Insurance Guarantee Act, opened government-run hospitals in depressed rural areas, such as West Virginia, Kentucky, western Pennsylvania, and the Ohio River valley, modeled on the VA hospitals. These hospitals, however, served energy workers, primary coal miners, and their families for free, and charged at low rates to treat other citizens.



"Today, we've shown the world that the United States government does care about its most vulnerable families. Our rural areas have suffered, and they've missed out on the increase in quality of life that many of our urban and suburban areas have experienced. These hospitals are the first step in improving the lives of coal miners and their families. Bringing high-quality healthcare out to the forgotten will greatly reduce much of the problems facing our rural folks, including opioid addiction, lung cancer, and other health issues."

The week after the passage of Ledbetter, the EWIG Act passed once again with margins greater than the government's majority; this time, ten Conservatives from Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania stood in approval of the Act.


Health Minister Michelle Lujan-Grisham celebrated the passage, and at a press conference following the signing of the act, lauded its potential for success.

"In addition to its obvious benefits, this bill could also be the stepping stone to something greater. If EWIG hospitals become very successful, it will show that the government could be a major player when it comes to healthcare. A roaring success in West Virginia could bring about a new chapter about healthcare and how we view it in America."

Meanwhile, a new door opened up in foreign policy. On a ceremonial tour of Europe, Pelosi also visited Ukraine.



Despite the publication of this meeting as merely an introductory meet-and-greet with world leaders, Pelosi's visit to Kyiv also included an important confidential meeting with President Petro Poroshenko, as well as Giorgi Margvelashvili, president of Georgia, and Ilham Aliyev, president of Azerbaijan.

[In this TL, Russia declines to intervene in either Ukraine or Georgia, thus Crimea is still part of Ukraine and the Russo-Georgian War never happened.]

The issue at hand: their membership in NATO. Pelosi believed a strong coalition of states beyond simply Europe was necessary to temper Russian aggression in Europe and the Middle East. While her predecessors were more cautious when it came to foreign policy, not wanting to repeat the mistakes of John Kyl, and refused to even consider Ukraine, Georgia, or Azerbaijan's entrance into NATO, Pelosi was a lot more pragmatic.

Thus, behind closed doors in the Mariyinsky Palace, all three of those countries' NATO ambitions were legitimized. Pelosi has stated that the United States would officially support each of those countries joining the defense treaty.

While this would not become public for several months, optimism spread within the Labor party as news reached back home.

It seemed as if nothing could stop Pelosi right now. Successes at home and abroad, it's as if something was bound to go wrong soon.

[Kamala]

Chapter 1.7: Something is Rotten in the State of Texas

While the Liberal Party was facing a leadership crisis at the national level, it also saw problems form in one of its most important states. In fact, Texas was vital for all three major parties' strength. At a boisterous crowd in Houston, Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller was brewing up a storm.


"Howdy y'all!

I've got an important message for y'all, now that the socialist Pelosi is this nation's Prime Minister. It is time that Texas finally gets the respect it deserves from the rest of the country. I promise I will fight Pelosi at every turn. I will fight Paul Ryan at every turn when he threatens our Texan values. I will even fight Cathy Rodgers if she doesn't respect Texas and what it represents.

From Beaumont to El Paso, from Brownsville to Amarillo, Texas has a culture that the rest of the country doesn't understand. But it all makes sense - after all, we were an independent country for years before we were absorbed into the United States. It's high time that we regain our status as the premier state in the Union.

Which is why, y'all, I am announcing the formation of the Texan National Party. We will seek to uphold Texan values at the national level. We will run candidates in every constituency in our great state. We will push for an independence referendum, oil drilling freedom, and bring a halt to the liberal, socialist agenda that the witch in Washington has been crafting.

Join me, and together, let's seize the day! Make Texas Independent Again!"

The crowd went wild. Howling shouts repeated Miller's final sentence. It really seemed as if the enthusiasm is there for the Texan National Party to sweep the state offices of Texas as well as many of the 36 constituencies in the state.

However, not everyone was pleased.



Former Conservative representative and Governor Kay Bailey Hutchinson was on CNN the next day as many Texan officials and representatives were scrambling for a sane voice.

"I do agree greatly with the proposition that Texas ought to have its voice heard better in Parliament. For far too long we've been kicked to curb in favor of the other 49 states.

Yet Sid Miller managed to turn such an important idea into a disgusting movement, filled with hate and half-baked ideas. His sexism is palpable. I disagree with nearly all of the Prime Minister's positions, but I respect her as a person and as a leader. She is not a 'witch,' Mr. Miller. She is your Prime Minister, so you ought to respect her. Hasn't your mother taught you better than that?

Additionally, the proposition of an independent Texas is ridiculous to me, and should, as well, be to anyone with a brain. You have to be a blubbering lunatic to believe that Texas isn't stronger in the United States than it would be independent. Besides, how would Texas be able to accomplish many of the programs that have helped it succeed and grow? Much of the oil processed in the Houston area comes from North Dakota and Canada. Texas surely wouldn't be able to join NAFTA, because it would only incite Quebecois independence fervor in Canada and give it legitimacy. They would never be able to amend and join the agreement. Texas also depends on federal infrastructure to protect its southern border - otherwise, drugs and cartel violence would simply spill into our great state.

If you're watching this, Sid, I only have one thing to tell you: next time, do your homework before opening your mouth."

[Kamala]

Before the next update, here is some polling.

If the election was held today, which party would you vote for? [Undecided leaners added to party]
Labor - 39%
Conservative - 25%
Liberal - 21%
Farmer-Populist - 5%
Texan National - 3%
Libertarian - 3%
New Deseret - <1%
True undecided - 4%

Do you approve or disapprove of the way Nancy Pelosi is handling her job as prime minister?
Approve - 63%
Disapprove - 32%
No opinion - 5%

[Liberal voters only] Do you approve or disapprove of the way Paul Ryan is handling his job as party leader?
Approve - 39%
Disapprove - 45%
No opinion - 15%

[Liberal voters only] Who will you vote for in the January 25th Liberal Party leadership election?
Paul Ryan [incumbent] - 41%
Steve Scalise - 33%
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen - 18%
Undecided - 8%

[Voters in Texas only] Do you approve or disapprove of the Texan National Party?
Approve - 37%
Disapprove - 35%
No opinion - 16%
Never heard of it - 12%

[Voters in Texas only] Do you approve or disapprove of Sid Miller, founder of the Texan National Party?
Approve - 24%
Disapprove - 27%
No opinion - 29%
Never heard of him - 20%

[Kamala]

I don't quite understand how Cathy McMorris Rodgers leads what seems to be the "socially conservative" party, and Paul Ryan's party is somehow "fiscally conservative." It seems to me the names or ideologies of the two parties should be switched, or their leaders should be. Paul Ryan himself may be fiscally conservative, but the people he typically aligns with are fiscally conservative and socially conservative, him just representing the former wing. On social issues, he opposes SSM, background checks for guns, abortions, and supports strict limits on immigration.

To me, Ryan is truly a fiscal conservative at heart. I think he's socially conservative more because of his party. In this TL, he naturally would gravitate toward the Liberals.

[Kamala]

What about Cathy McMorris Rodgers? How is she more socially conservative?

http://www.ontheissues.org/House/Cathy_McMorris-Rodgers.htm
This is what I based it on. If you disagree, write your own TL

[Kamala]

Chapter 1.8: The Most Tumultuous Week (in the Middle East)

January 15th, 2017 - Kulanu leader Moshe Kahlon had an announcement to make. He was at the end of his rope with Prime Minister Netanyahu. Despite Kahlon's demands, the rest of the Netanyahu government refused to pass a rent control measure for urban centers.

"Prime Minister Netanyahu's refusal to work together with Kulanu to pass a rent control measure, an issue vital to our party, is indicative of the direction he wants to lead this country in. Netanyahu's haughtiness has not gone unnoticed. As of today, Kulanu will no longer support the current government. We know the Israeli people will vote for the right party to fulfill their will; the party that desires to make life better and easier for everyone. I hope you will all join Kulanu in removing Netanyahu from power."

January 19th, 2017- From the northern Syrian town of Qamişlo, a small radio station broadcasted a message that would greatly complicate geopolitics even further in the Middle East. Hediya Yousef, the Co-President of Rojava, an unrecognized autonomous region in Northern Syria, stated her message.

"For too long, my fellow Rojavans, we have been ignored. Oppressed. Disrespected. Slaughtered. Bashar al-Assad has nearly destroyed Syria with chemical weapons and violations of the most basic human rights of all Syrians. Rojava has shown that the Middle East doesn't have to be a region of the world that the rest views as barbaric. We have been tolerant. We have shown that Kurds and Arabs can coexist. We have shown that freedom of religion is a universal principle. We have even pushed back against Da'esh forces. Thus, I believe it is time. It is time for Rojava to separate itself from Syria. The Cantons of Rojava have today officially declared themselves to be independent."


January 21st, 2017 - The Iraqi Army has seemed to be making no wrong moves recently. It has successful rebutted Da'esh up into Mosul, completely surrounding it by September 2016. However, Da'esh forces within the city were still significant, and a long drawn-out siege seemed more and more likely. Slowly but surely, the Iraqi army eliminated more and more Da'esh soldiers.

By New Year's, the end was in sight. By the 14th, Da'esh was limited to the Wadi Ekkab cemetery and areas surrounding it. A final surge by the Iraqi Army, and Da'esh was completely defeated.

In reciprocal fashion to traditional Da'esh techniques, the Iraqi Army took no prisoners. All around the world, leaders applauded the Iraqi forces for their bravery and efficiency. A major blow was dealt to Da'esh, and the threat of this caliphate was nearly entirely defeated.

January 22nd, 2017 - At a hospital in central Ankara, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was declared dead. An immovable force in Turkish politics for past two decades, Erdoğan succumbed to stomach cancer at the age of 62. His Prime Minister, Binali Yıldırım, spoke with a tear in his eye.

"President Erdoğan was a great man for our nation. He fought against the powers that threaten our country with zeal and enthusiasm. We must respect his memory in the coming days. We must do what is best for our country, what Erdoğan would have wanted. Do not succumb to political opportunism, merely do what is good."

[Kamala]

Chapter 1.9: Survival of the Fittest
Note: I can't write a script for debates.

Paul Ryan thought he was safe - after all, he did capture the spirit of the Liberal Party at the leadership debate yesterday, while Ileana and Steve mostly sparred with each other. He had momentum, and was bound to most likely win a majority of the vote - at least the Liberal party members, although the Parliamentary Representatives would likely vote against him.

Yet as the results trickled in, Paul was nervous. Votes were coming in much more strongly for his opponents. He still had a lead, but it evaporated away slowly.

At the end of the long night, Paul cautiously celebrated. All the news channels had called the election for Paul. While he was satisfied, he wasn't happy.



He barely won with just a bit more than 40% of the total vote. He had nearly lost his plurality in Parliamentary votes to Steve - and had the loyalty of even fewer than the votes he got. Nearly two-thirds of his Party voted against him, and whipping party-line votes was sure to be even more difficult than usual. His only saving grace was his relatively popularity with party voters, who appreciated his efforts to salvage the party rather than push it in a direction it didn't need to.

The next three years would be difficult. The parliamentary Liberal party was nearly ungovernable.

[Kamala]

Do you mind posting the history of leaders for each party?

I'll do the major parties -

DFL -> Labor
FDR 1931-1945
Truman 1945-1948
Adlai Stevenson 1948-1950
Estes Kefauver 1950-1956
Adlai Stevenson 1956-1959
JFK 1959-1963
LBJ 1963-1968
HHH 1968-1971 (as leader of DFL)
HHH 1971-1975 (as leader of Labor)
Jimmy Carter 1975-1981
Ted Kennedy 1981-1992
Bill Clinton 1992-1996
Daniel P. Moynihan 1996-2004
Dick Gephardt 2005-2009
Steny Hoyer 2009-2014
Nancy Pelosi 2014 -

UFR
Charles Curtis 1931-1934
William Borah 1934-1940
Robert Taft 1940-1947
Thomas Dewey 1947-1952
Richard Nixon 1952-1963
Barry Goldwater 1963-1964
Richard Nixon 1964-1973
Gerald Ford 1973

Liberal
Gerald Ford 1973-1974
John B. Anderson 1974-1981
Larry Pressler 1981-1987
George H.W. Bush 1987-1993
Richard Lugar 1993-2000
George W. Bush 2000-2004
John McCain 2004-2010
Mark Warner 2010-2013
John Boehner 2013-2015
Paul Ryan 2015-

Conservative
Ronald Reagan 1973-1990
Jeane Kirkpatrick 1990-1994
Newt Gingrich 1994-1999
Bob Dole 1999-2003
John Kyl 2003-2008
Mike Huckabee 2008-2012
Cathy McMorris Rodgers 2012-

(Seeing as "The American Parliament" is an existing TL, I also changed the name of this TL. Sorry for any confusion!)

[Kamala]

Damn, Teddy is opposition leader for twelve years and never PM. Sad.

What's Hillary up to?

I'm not sure. Maybe she's the Labor representative from AR-02?

[Kamala]

Damn, Teddy is opposition leader for twelve years and never PM. Sad.

What's Hillary up to?

I'm not sure. Maybe she's the Labor representative from AR-02?

Bernie?

Corbynesque backbencher for Vermont At-Large.