New House Speaker Hakeem Jeffries promises bold changes after Democratic sweep

Democrats aim to pass sweeping legislation immediately after taking control of both the House and Senate in a decisive midterm victory. The party spent the last year campaigning on a promise to lower costs and fight corruption. Now that they hold substantial majorities, they must unify a diverse caucus around a specific plan to deliver on those pledges.

The first priority is health care. Leaders say they will use the first 100 hours to restore enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies. They also intend to reverse Medicaid cuts enacted in last year's One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which are set to take effect soon. Senators and representatives describe these goals as areas where the caucus has near-total agreement.

Democrats also plan to challenge the administration's tariff policies. They will force votes on war powers resolutions to end the conflict in Iran. These actions represent a direct test of congressional authority in a divided government.

President Trump has signaled he may act as a veto power. However, he has also said he is open to working with the new majority. Abdul El-Sayed, the elected Democratic senator from Michigan, said last week that the party wants to move forward with legislation. He noted that some Republicans may reconsider supporting the Medicaid cuts if the president vetoes them.

Molly Reynolds, a Congressional expert at the Brookings Institution, noted that Democrats will still need to compromise on must-pass bills like appropriations. She observed that the wave election removed many moderate Republicans, leaving a more conservative minority. This dynamic may shape negotiations on funding and war powers.

Investigations will be a central focus for the new majority. Rep. Robert Garcia of California, the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, released a two-word statement on election night directed at the White House: "Lawyer up." The committee now holds subpoena power, which leaders say they will use to examine the administration's actions.

Hakeem Jeffries, the likely next House Speaker, told reporters on Wednesday that Democrats will usher in bold, dramatic change. The party has formed working groups to address the costs of gas, groceries, and housing. Each group is led by one progressive and one centrist Democrat. Jeffries said the party will hold a family conversation to determine the best path forward beyond immediate fixes.

Tensions exist between progressives and moderates in the new caucus. Some candidates ran on promises of Medicare for All, while others pledged gradual improvements. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer downplayed these differences, stating that candidates in different states were all sending the same message about lowering costs. A large portion of the new majority includes moderates who won in conservative districts like Iowa and Kansas. Will Lawrence, a new representative from Michigan, said voters across the spectrum want action to end the Iran war and halt tax dollars going to Israel. He described the public as desperate for change and unwilling to see the conflict continue on their dime.