With Democrats securing a majority in both the houses of US Congress, the party is preparing to roll back several key policies of President Donald Trump, putting healthcare cuts, the war with Iran and trade tariffs at the centre of its legislative agenda.
Democrats are planning to use their expanded strength in Congress to push legislation reversing Republican-backed Medicaid cuts, restore subsidies for millions of Americans buying health insurance and challenge Trump's handling of the Iran war. According to a report by the Associated Press, Democratic leaders are preparing to move quickly when the new Congress convenes on January 3, with early votes expected to focus on reversing Republican-backed Medicaid cuts and restoring enhanced tax subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). It helps millions of Americans afford health insurance.
Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries has made it clear that the party intends to move quickly on its promises. “We’re going to get out of the gate fast,” Jeffries said, signalling an early push on healthcare, Iran and Trump's trade policies. Jeffries said Democrats would prioritise reversing Medicaid cuts, extending Affordable Care Act tax credits and ending what he called the “reckless and costly war of choice in Iran”. He argued that the conflict had pushed up fuel prices, adding to the financial burden on American households.
Democratic leaders have also made clear that they are prepared for a confrontation with the White House if Trump refuses to back their proposals. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said the party would continue pushing its agenda even if the president blocks the legislation. “If he vetoes it, it will show the divisions,” Schumer said in an interview with The New York Times podcast The Daily. Schumer also indicated that Democrats could find support among some Republicans on restoring enhanced tax subsidies for ACA plans. Asked about the possibility of bipartisan cooperation, he said he was receiving “initial signs” of willingness from some Republicans on certain issues.
For Trump, the Democratic takeover of both chambers of Congress could mean two difficult final years of his presidency, with his administration facing legislative challenges, investigations and increased scrutiny of its policies. Democrats will control the congressional agenda, lead key committees and have greater powers to summon administration officials for hearings, putting several aspects of Trump's presidency under greater scrutiny.
The Iran war could become one of the biggest sources of confrontation. Democrats are preparing to challenge the president's handling of the conflict through war powers legislation, while rising fuel prices linked to the war have emerged as a political liability. Trump has acknowledged that the conflict affected the midterm results, with Vice-President JD Vance also blaming the war for Republican losses. However, Trump retains his presidential veto, and Democrats will still face hurdles in the Senate, including the 60-vote threshold for most legislation. This means that while Democrats can pass bills in the House and intensify scrutiny of the administration, turning their proposals into law could prove difficult.
