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.
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. Asked about the possibility of bipartisan cooperation, he said he was receiving “initial signs” of willingness from some Republicans on certain issues.
Schumer also indicated that Democrats could find support among some Republicans on restoring enhanced tax subsidies for ACA plans. 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.
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), according to a report by the Associated Press.
“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”. It helps millions of Americans afford health insurance.