Facing the loss of control of the Senate and executive branch, the Democrats are looking to lay a minefield to stop President-elect Donald Trump’s agenda during their lame-duck session.
The Democrats lost control of the Senate and White House after last week’s elections and don’t appear to be on track to win back the House. They are now looking to lay the groundwork to impede Trump’s agenda in any way possible in their final two months in control before the Republicans seize the vaunted trifecta.
“We as Democrats have to roll up our sleeves and get into defense and protection mode,” Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-IL) told Axios.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) has informed allies of his own plans.
Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) laid out a strategy of attrition, laying so many barriers that it would force the reallocation of resources.
“A lot of things can be undone, but it can take longer to undo them, and it will force a priority from them on what they want to focus on,” she told the outlet.
However, Jayapal’s strategy mainly involved President Joe Biden signing executive orders to “protect existing structures,” which presumably could be immediately reversed upon Trump taking office. In his own first week in office, Biden signed nearly three dozen executive orders reversing those of Trump.
Other efforts from Democratic legislators will also be impeded by the Republican control of the House.
The obstruction talks were led by the Progressive, Black, Hispanic, Asian Pacific American, and Equality caucuses.
Hispanic Caucus Chair Nanette Barragan (D-CA) said much of her focus would be on impeding Trump’s plans for immigration reform.
“In anticipation of [Trump’s] actions, CHC will meet to discuss how best we can protect our communities and hold the incoming administration accountable,” she said.
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Other plans involve pushing through funding for the Inflation Reduction Act, bipartisan infrastructure law, and CHIPS Act “out the door as quickly as possible.”
Assuming Republicans retain control of the House, Trump will enter office for his second term in the strongest political position he has yet been in, with a loyal party and control over both chambers of the legislature.
