Last week’s mid-term elections revealed that the US remains a divided country.  No side can claim a mandate, but that doesn’t mean they won’t try.  Here’s how it will impact your federal business:  1.  Business Will Slow As Agencies Become Distracted By House Oversight Hearings:  Expect DHS officials to be dragged to the Hill to discuss immigration, Justice officials to discuss Russian influence, and a string of similar hearings for pretty much every other agency.  This includes GSA Administrator Emily Murphy who will be thoroughly grilled on the FBI Headquarters location issue.  All of this oversight activity will reduce the pace of business as multiple layers of officials work directly or indirectly on answering House probes.  2.  Increased Money for Civilian Agencies & A Fight on DOD Money:  House Democrats now have more leverage to deal on spending priorities and civilian agencies may end up being the big winners in 2020 and 2021.  Don’t count out defense spending, though, as Senate Republicans and the White House will seek to keep spending strong there as well.  Just don’t ask who’s going to pay for it all.  3.  Claire McCaskill Won’t Be Around To Roast Contractors:  Senator McCaskill (D-MO) has been the lead Democrat on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and an antagonist of government contractors.  McCaskill’s broad approach caught improprieties real – and perceived.  The Senator, however, lost her bid for re-election.  As such, contractors may no longer be presumed to be guilty until proven innocent in the Senate.