Democrats Move to Restore Health Subsidies and Reverse Medicaid Cuts
New congressional leaders plan to act within their first 100 hours to address costs and war powers, despite a divided government and internal debates over policy scope.
By Rosa Wojcik ·
Voters who elected new House and Senate leaders are set to see immediate legislative action on health care and national security. The incoming Democratic majority intends to restore enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies and reverse Medicaid cuts that take effect soon. These measures were central to the party's campaign message throughout the year.
The incoming leaders aim to achieve these goals within their first 100 hours in office. They also plan to reassert congressional authority over tariffs and introduce new votes on war powers resolutions regarding the Iran conflict. These specific priorities have generated near-total agreement among the party's ranks, according to party officials.
However, the new majority must operate within the constraints of a divided government. The Senate requires 60 votes to pass most legislation, avoiding the filibuster. President Trump has alternately threatened to veto bills and expressed openness to cooperation. Abdul El-Sayed, the Democratic Senator-Elect from Michigan, said he expects some Republicans to reconsider supporting the Medicaid cuts if the President vetoes a restoration bill.
Molly Reynolds, a congressional expert at the Brookings Institution, noted that the party's substantial victory removed many moderate Republicans from their chamber. This leaves Democrats with a large majority facing a comparatively more conservative Republican conference. This dynamic will require compromise on must-pass legislation such as appropriations for the war.
Investigations are also set to become a major focus. Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Calif., the top Democrat on the House Oversight committee, directed a two-word statement at President Trump and his associates on election night: "Lawyer up." This signals a shift in tone for the party's oversight efforts.
Hakeem Jeffries, the likely next House Speaker, told reporters that the party will usher in "bold, dramatic change." House Democrats have organized working groups to address the costs of gas, groceries, utilities, housing, and caregiving. Each group is led by two members, one from the progressive wing and one from the center, to develop a unified approach.
Internal debates exist over the pace of change. Some newly elected members pledged to press for Medicare for All, while others promised gradual steps to expand access and cut costs. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, told CNN that bold policy changes are for 2028, while the current focus is on stabilizing the country. Rep. Greg Casar, D-Texas, countered that the election was not about tinkering around the edges.
The new majorities include a mix of moderate Democrats who flipped conservative districts and a new class of progressives. This composition limits the ability of progressives to move the agenda sharply to the left. Rep. Greg Stanton, D-Ariz., noted that Speaker Jeffries has the flexibility to lead without the pressure of a narrow majority. Illinois Rep. Brad Schneider added that the party should avoid overpromising to ensure it delivers on its commitments.
