Key facts
- House Democrats are preparing a governing agenda centered on affordability and anti-corruption.
- Key priorities include addressing the cost of living and utilizing investigative powers.
- Democrats are considering impeachment proceedings against President Trump.
- Bipartisan cooperation may be sought on issues like banning stock trading by lawmakers.
- The party aims to be a "pro-worker party" in addition to holding Trump accountable.
House Democrats are developing a potential governing agenda for the next year, prioritizing affordability and anti-corruption measures should they secure a majority.
Economic concerns, including the high cost of essentials like housing and groceries, are central to their strategy. Democrats also plan to leverage the House's investigative powers to scrutinize members of the Trump administration and the Trump family, aiming to increase transparency and address corruption. This includes continuing investigations into files related to Jeffrey Epstein, which Rep. Robert Garcia described as a bipartisan issue.
While impeachment of President Trump has not been ruled out, some Democrats, like Rep. Greg Casar, emphasize the need to balance accountability with addressing voters' concerns about costs and systemic corruption. Other priorities mentioned include lowering childcare and eldercare expenses, closing the gender pay gap, and expanding reproductive care access.
Democrats acknowledge that enacting major legislation would be challenging with a Republican White House, likely requiring bipartisan cooperation on narrower issues. One such area of potential bipartisan interest is a ban on stock trading by members of Congress. Democrats believe that divisions within the Republican party could create opportunities for bipartisan dealmaking.