House Democrats Target $1 Trillion in Medicaid Cuts for Reversal
The new majority plans to restore ACA subsidies and launch immediate investigations into the executive branch's handling of trade, war, and corporate contracts.
By Renata Mehta ·
Hakeem Jeffries is on track to become the first Black Speaker of the House when the new Congress convenes in January. Democrats will control the chamber following an ABC News projection. Their immediate legislative goal is to restore nearly $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts. These cuts were part of the Working Families Tax Cuts Act. The party also plans to reinstate expired Affordable Care Act premium subsidies.
Jeffries told ABC News that the agenda will focus on the cost of groceries, gas, and housing. He said the party will act to end the war in Iran. Democrats also intend to pass legislation that ends global tariffs. This move would restore congressional power over trade policy.
The new leadership will launch multiple investigations simultaneously. Committee chairs have signaled they will use subpoena power to compel testimony and document production. Rep. Robert Garcia, the presumptive chairman of the House Oversight Committee, released a two-word statement after the projection. He told the administration to lawyer up.
Garcia plans to hold public hearings on the Epstein files. He intends to subpoena Attorney General Todd Blanche. The inquiry will cover the Department of Justice handling of withheld pages. Garcia also plans to interview Jared Kushner and other Trump family members about business dealings. The committee will look at the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by immigration agents in Minneapolis.
Rep. Jamie Raskin, the presumptive chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, will probe the politicization of the DOJ and FBI. He plans to examine the $1.8 billion Anti-Weaponization fund. Raskin also intends to investigate allegations of pay-to-play pardons. He said impeachment is a critical tool in the constitutional toolbox that the committee will not hesitate to use if benefits exceed costs.
Rep. Adam Smith will lead the House Armed Services Committee. He will probe the decision to go to war with Iran. That conflict began on Feb. 28 without congressional authorization. Smith also plans to investigate strikes on drug smuggling boats in the Caribbean Sea and Eastern Pacific Ocean. He will review Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s management of the Pentagon and the firing of senior military leaders.
Attorney General Todd Blanche dismissed the pay-to-play accusations during a Senate hearing in June. He stated that the Constitution does not require the president to explain pardon decisions. The White House has not yet responded to requests regarding cooperation with the new oversight efforts.
