New House Democrats prioritize healthcare spending and Iran war vote
Leaders plan early votes on Medicaid and ACA subsidies while facing a 60-vote Senate threshold and a president ready to veto.
By Meera Fletcher ·
House Democratic leaders plan to focus their first weeks in office on healthcare funding and a vote to end the war with Iran. The party is expected to exceed 250 seats in the 435-member House after the January 3 swearing-in. New York Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, who is set to become the next House speaker, stated that the group intends to act quickly on these items.
The immediate legislative targets include boosting Medicaid and restoring an enhanced tax subsidy for Affordable Care Act plans. Democrats also aim to reverse some of President Donald Trump's trade tariffs. Rep. Ted Lieu, D-Calif., indicated that legislation on artificial intelligence and data centers will follow. He argued that Republicans allowed the AI industry to grow without oversight and that Democrats will introduce guardrails and hold public hearings.
The Medicaid changes currently in effect were approved by Republicans to offset costs in a major tax and spending bill signed into law in July 2025. The legislation imposed new administrative requirements and work requirements for eligibility. According to KFF, Medicaid enrollment has dropped by about 5 million people, or 7%, since that date. The cuts are projected to reduce program funding by more than $900 billion over the next decade.
Passing bills in the House will be straightforward given the Democratic majority. The challenge lies in the Senate, where a 60-vote threshold is required to overcome a filibuster. President Trump posted a photo of a red hat with the word VETO on his social media site on election night, signaling his intent to block legislation. The enhanced ACA subsidy measure passed the House previously but stalled in the Senate. Lawmakers have also voted on war powers regarding Iran 14 times in the Senate and six times in the House.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., described a split Congress as two years of paralysis. New York Sen. Chuck Schumer said Democrats will push their agenda regardless of the president's actions. He noted that a government shutdown over healthcare in the past demonstrated public support for the party's stance. Schumer said he is seeing initial signs that some Republicans may work with him on specific issues, particularly the ACA subsidies.
Progressive groups view the early agenda as a starting point but expect more action. Adam Green, co-founder of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee, said Democrats must eliminate the filibuster to pass their top priorities. He argued that Republicans use simple majorities for tax cuts and judicial appointments, while Democrats need 60 votes for healthcare and consumer protection. Green stated that the public will judge the party based on its ability to deliver results before the 2028 presidential election.
Rep. Greg Casar, D-Texas, sent a memo to the Congressional Progressive Caucus urging members to target large corporations and billionaires. He cited the use of private data for pricing and AI risks to jobs. Casar said focusing on these forces will show voters that Democrats support workers and consumers, not just oppose the Trump administration. Schumer told the Associated Press that the focus must remain on getting things done, without confirming whether he would try to end the filibuster.
