Democrats prepare to take control of Congress as Trump points to his veto power

Democrats will hold majorities in both the House and the Senate when the new Congress convenes in early January, but their margins will fall short of what is needed to override a presidential veto, according to a States Newsroom report published by the Michigan Advance and several partner outlets.

Because of that, any major legislation will need President Donald Trump's signature. Speaking Wednesday at the construction site for his White House ballroom, Trump said he would probably cooperate with Democrats "unless they want to be destructive. But I have the power of the veto," the Michigan Advance reported. He also said he was not worried about a possible third impeachment effort.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, who his office says will seek the majority leader post with no announced challenger, said his priorities are lowering living costs, fighting government corruption and serving as a check on the administration. He said Democrats would use annual government funding bills to impose limits on the administration and on the war in Iran, though the outlets noted he did not explain how he would win the president's signature. Trump said the war would go on until he decides to end it.

Schumer did not directly answer whether he would seek to end the legislative filibuster, the Senate rule requiring 60 votes to advance most bills. He also declined to say whether Democrats would pursue impeachment of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, expected to become speaker, said his caucus is open to working with Republicans on affordability. According to the reports, House Democrats plan to start by reversing Medicaid cuts included in the Republican legislation known as the "big, beautiful" bill and by restoring enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits that expired at the end of last year. Jeffries appeared to dismiss talk of impeachment. "I haven't had a single member of the House Democratic Caucus talk to me about impeachment," he said.

Rep. Ted Lieu of California said House Democrats intend to hold public hearings on artificial intelligence and pass legislation setting limits on the industry, particularly data centers.

Republican leadership is also shifting. A spokesperson said Senate Republican Leader John Thune of South Dakota will seek to remain his party's leader as minority leader. In the House, Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana plans to leave leadership, according to a spokesperson. Majority Leader Steve Scalise of Louisiana and Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan of Ohio are both running to become minority leader in elections expected in mid-November.

In a letter to colleagues, Jordan said the party must learn from the election results and described himself as experienced in oversight. Trump said he would stay out of the race and did not ask Johnson to step aside, the outlets reported.

Compiled by True News from reporting by Michigan Advance, Louisiana Illuminator, Florida Phoenix and Source NM. Each outlet's original story is linked below.

Originally published by True News: https://truenews.bagleyenterprises.net/stories/773