As the second session of the 119th Congress begins, Democrats are marking the fifth anniversary of the attack on the Capitol, an event they say President Donald Trump and Republican leaders have sought to downplay. Simultaneously, they are renewing calls to restore enhanced subsidies for Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) plans.
Focus on Domestic and Foreign Policy
Beyond healthcare, Democrats are prioritizing legislation aimed at preventing further military intervention by the Trump administration in Venezuela. This comes after the removal of President Nicolás Maduro from the country, and his subsequent detainment in New York City where he faces narcotics trafficking charges.
On Tuesday, the House minority will hold an informal hearing with members of the committee that investigated the January 6, 2021, insurrection. The hearing will feature testimony from lawmakers who experienced the attack firsthand, when a group of Republican supporters disrupted the certification of the 2020 electoral vote count confirming Joe Biden’s victory.
The Senate reconvened on Monday, and the House will return to session today, Tuesday.
Examining Threats to Democracy and Accountability
According to a letter sent last week by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to members of his caucus, the upcoming hearing will “examine the ongoing threats to free and fair elections posed by the reckless Trump administration, expose the election deniers who hold key positions in the Executive Branch, and detail the public safety threats posed by the hundreds of violent criminals pardoned on the first day of the (second term of the) president.”
President Trump granted pardons to approximately 1,600 individuals convicted or accused in connection with the January 6th insurrection, an event that resulted in five deaths. Some of those pardoned have since been implicated in new crimes.
While the current president was recently convicted on 34 felony counts related to falsifying business records, he was previously accused of inciting the January 6th insurrection. That case was dismissed following a Supreme Court decision granting significant immunity to occupants of the White House.
Legislative Challenges Ahead
Democrats also aim to force a vote on a resolution to extend enhanced Obamacare subsidies for three years, as those benefits expired at the start of the new year. The legislation has garnered enough co-sponsors to bring it to a vote.
If passed by the House, the measure would move to the Senate, where its fate is less certain. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has indicated that any agreement on healthcare will need to be reached this month, alongside decisions regarding federal appropriations.
Currently, the federal government is operating under a temporary budget resolution, following a 43-day partial shutdown that occurred between October, when the fiscal year 2026 began, and mid-November. This temporary resolution funds the government through January 30th, and without further legislation, many federal agencies could face another partial shutdown.
Adding to the legislative agenda is the crisis stemming from U.S. strikes in Venezuela and the removal of President Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, amid new accusations of narcotics trafficking and weapons possession. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer has stated he will force a vote on a resolution to prevent further unauthorized U.S. military action in Venezuela.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the status of Nicolás Maduro?
Nicolás Maduro, the former president of Venezuela, has been removed from the country and is currently detained in New York City facing charges related to narcotics trafficking and possession of destructive weapons.
What is the Democratic Party’s stance on the January 6th attack?
Democrats intend to hold a hearing to examine the events of January 6th, 2021, and to address what they view as ongoing threats to free and fair elections and the public safety risks posed by those pardoned for their involvement.
What is at stake with the potential government shutdown?
Without new legislation, many U.S. government agencies could face a partial shutdown after January 30th, as the current temporary budget resolution expires.
As Congress returns to session, will these competing priorities – addressing domestic concerns like healthcare and the budget, and responding to international crises – lead to productive legislative outcomes, or further gridlock?
