Newly elected Democratic majorities in the House and Senate are planning an early legislative push when they take office next January, alongside an oversight campaign targeting President Donald Trump, his administration and some of his business-world allies, according to CNBC.
House Democrats intend to bring several bills to the floor during their first 100 hours in office. Their plans include restoring enhanced health insurance subsidies that expired under the Republican-controlled Congress and reversing Medicaid cuts signed into law by Trump last year.
They also plan to pursue legislation that would repeal Trump’s tariffs and reassert Congress’ authority over import taxes. Democrats expect to vote again on measures intended to end the Iran war or require Trump to obtain congressional authorization to continue it.
The party has said affordability will be central to its agenda, after campaigning on the high cost of essentials such as fuel and groceries. Democrats are also weighing how to balance legislation with investigations into the administration. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who is expected to become speaker, told CNBC that Democrats had not yet decided which investigations to prioritize.
Sen. Ron Wyden, the top Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, said its priorities would be affordability and accountability. He cited plans to focus on taxes paid by billionaires, health care costs and congressional authority over trade, while examining the conduct of business interests that have supported Trump.
House Oversight Committee Democrat Robert Garcia has identified Trump’s family, corporate corruption, the Department of Homeland Security, immigration enforcement and records related to Jeffrey Epstein as areas of potential scrutiny. Rep. Pramila Jayapal has argued that Democrats should concentrate on one or two cases where evidence of wrongdoing is strongest, rather than pursuing numerous targets at once.
Democrats are also discussing ethics reforms that could include restrictions on stock trading by government officials, limits on prediction-market activity, a federal ban on gerrymandering and curbs on super PAC spending. Rep. Seth Magaziner said he expects Democrats to pursue a ban on stock trading in Congress and the executive branch as part of a broader reform package.
Sources: CNBC Markets.