New York Democrat: War Powers and Hegseth Removal Lead Post-Midterm Agenda

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, a Democrat from New York who is expected to become the next Speaker of the House, outlined a legislative agenda for his party following its midterm victories. He stated that the new Democratic majority will prioritize ending the conflict in Iran and holding administration officials accountable for their actions.

In a Friday interview with NPR's Morning Edition, Jeffries described the ongoing military engagement as a war of choice. He argued that the conflict has driven up the cost of living by increasing the prices of gas, diesel, and fertilizer, which in turn raises the cost of groceries and other everyday goods for American families.

Jeffries indicated that Democrats intend to move quickly on this issue without waiting for the new Congress to fully settle. He said the party plans to advance a war powers resolution to the floor of the House. This measure would force President Donald Trump to either sign the bill or issue a veto. Overriding such a veto would require two-thirds majorities in both chambers of Congress. Currently, Democrats do not hold a veto-proof majority in either chamber.

The question of accountability also extends to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky has threatened to force a House vote on eight articles of impeachment if Hegseth does not resign. Jeffries called Hegseth the most unqualified secretary of defense in American history and said the official should never have been confirmed by Senate Republicans.

When asked directly if he supported impeachment, Jeffries said he did not want to get out ahead of the caucus. He stated that the group would have that conversation immediately upon its return. Despite his hesitation to commit the entire party, he added that Hegseth has got to go. He noted that he had first called for Hegseth to be fired in the spring of 2025 and has not changed his position on the matter.

Jeffries also said the House Judiciary and Oversight committees would lead investigations into alleged wrongdoing by the Trump administration. He acknowledged that voters expressed dissatisfaction with Democratic leadership during the campaign, yet he defended the party's record by saying they had battled Trump on every issue up until the recent election defeat. He said the decision on future party leadership rests with the House Democratic Caucus.

The incoming Oversight Committee Chair, Representative Robert Garcia, posted online that Democrats should lawyer up. Jeffries confirmed that his party is working closely with the Judiciary and Oversight committees to guide their accountability efforts. He said the goal is to follow the facts and apply the law while making life more affordable for the American people.