Democrats' First 100 Hours in Congress: What They Plan to Do in 2027

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Democrats' First 100 Hours in Congress: What They Plan to Do in 2027

Democrats are preparing an aggressive legislative and oversight agenda after winning control of both chambers of the US Congress in the November 2026 midterm elections.

The party, led in the House by Hakeem Jeffries, has signalled that it wants to move quickly when the new Congress takes office in January 2027. Its priorities include lowering healthcare costs, challenging President Donald Trump's tariffs, addressing the US military campaign in Iran and investigating the administration.

The proposed first-100-hours agenda is intended to demonstrate that Democrats are ready to use their new congressional majority immediately.

However, introducing legislation and passing it into law are two different things. Trump remains president, retains his veto power and can challenge proposals that reach his desk.

Here is what Democrats are planning, what their new congressional majority allows them to do and what could prevent them from delivering their agenda.

When Will Democrats Begin Their First 100 Hours?

The newly elected Congress is scheduled to convene on January 3, 2027.

That is when the incoming Democratic majorities will formally take control of the House of Representatives and Senate.

The first-100-hours proposal refers to an early legislative push after the new House begins its work. It should not be confused with the broader 100-day agenda Democrats discussed before the election.

The Associated Press reported before the midterms that House Democrats were preparing a package focused on healthcare, affordability, tariffs, the Iran war and oversight of the Trump administration.

Following the Democratic victory, ABC News reported that the party intended to pursue both a legislative programme and an investigative agenda.

Sources:

• [Associated Press: House Democrats' first-100-days agenda](https://apnews.com/article/018019529b14a6b3bc4a343a4e17c44f)
• [ABC News: Democrats' legislative agenda and investigations](https://abcnews.com/Politics/democrats-house-heres-plan-investigate-legislative-agenda/story?id=137832144)

1. Democrats Want to Restore Healthcare Subsidies

Healthcare is one of the most prominent priorities in the Democratic agenda.

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries has said the party wants to reinstate expired Affordable Care Act premium subsidies.

These subsidies help eligible people reduce the cost of health insurance purchased through the Affordable Care Act marketplaces.

Democrats also want to reverse substantial Medicaid cuts included in Trump's domestic policy legislation, which the Associated Press reported were among the party's central healthcare priorities.

The proposed changes could affect:

• People purchasing health insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplaces.
• Low-income households relying on Medicaid.
• Families facing higher insurance premiums.
• Healthcare providers serving Medicaid beneficiaries.

However, Democrats cannot simply restore these benefits through a political announcement.

They would need to advance the appropriate legislation through Congress and deal with the president's response.

**What it means:** Healthcare affordability could become one of the first major policy battles between the Democratic-controlled Congress and the Trump administration.

2. Democrats Plan to Challenge Trump's Tariffs

Trade policy is another major issue Democrats want to address.

The party has indicated that it wants to introduce legislation aimed at ending Trump's global tariffs and restoring greater congressional authority over trade policy.

Tariffs are taxes imposed on imported goods. Depending on how they are implemented, they can affect businesses that rely on imported materials, manufacturers, retailers and consumers.

Democrats argue that Trump's tariff policies have contributed to economic uncertainty and higher costs.

Their proposed response would involve challenging the administration's tariff measures through Congress.

However, changing federal trade policy is not as simple as passing a resolution or making a public announcement. The legal authority used to impose particular tariffs, the legislation required to change them and the president's response all matter.

**What it means:** Trade policy could become a major disagreement between the White House and Congress, particularly over who should have authority to make important tariff decisions.

3. Democrats Want Action on the Iran War

The US military campaign in Iran is also part of the proposed Democratic agenda.

Democrats have indicated that they want congressional action aimed at ending US involvement in the conflict.

One possible route is the use of war-powers resolutions.

The War Powers Resolution is a federal law intended to establish limits and reporting requirements concerning the president's use of US armed forces without congressional authorisation.

Congress can use its legislative powers to challenge military decisions and demand greater accountability from the administration.

However, passing a resolution does not automatically guarantee that US military operations will stop.

The legal effect depends on the wording of the measure, the applicable constitutional and statutory rules, and whether the president complies or challenges the action.

**What it means:** The Iran conflict could become an important test of how far the new Congress is prepared to challenge Trump's foreign and military policy.

4. Lowering the Cost of Living Will Be a Major Priority

Democrats have also promised to focus on everyday expenses.

Jeffries has identified healthcare, groceries, gas and housing as areas where the party wants to deliver improvements.

The broader affordability agenda reflects concerns about the cost of living among American voters.

Potential areas of legislative attention include:

• Housing affordability.
• Grocery prices.
• Energy and fuel costs.
• Healthcare expenses.
• Household financial pressures.

The challenge will be turning these promises into practical measures.

For example, introducing a bill aimed at reducing housing costs does not automatically make homes cheaper. The final effect would depend on the legislation, funding, implementation and economic conditions.

**What it means:** Democrats will face pressure to demonstrate that their return to congressional power can produce practical improvements for households.

5. Democrats Plan Investigations Into Trump and His Administration

Beyond legislation, congressional investigations could become one of the most consequential parts of the Democratic takeover.

Control of the House gives the majority party significant influence over committee leadership, hearings and oversight priorities.

Democrats have indicated that they want to investigate the Trump administration and examine possible conflicts involving government authority and private business interests.

Areas identified in reporting include:

• Trump's family business interests.
• Government decisions involving senior administration officials.
• The use of executive authority.
• Federal agencies and their activities.
• Allegations of corruption and misconduct.

The Associated Press reported before the election that Democrats were preparing an extensive oversight programme.

Following the result, ABC News reported that Democratic lawmakers intended to use their new majority to restore congressional checks and balances.

Investigative committees can request records, question officials, hold public hearings and issue subpoenas within their legal authority.

However, an investigation is not proof of wrongdoing. Allegations must be assessed using evidence and appropriate legal procedures.

**What it means:** Trump's administration could face more public hearings, document requests and congressional scrutiny once Democrats take control.

6. Democrats Could Block or Delay Trump's Nominees

Winning control of the Senate gives Democrats influence over presidential appointments.

The Senate has a constitutional role in confirming many senior federal officials, including cabinet members, ambassadors and federal judges.

This means Trump's nominees will face a Senate controlled by the opposition party.

Democratic senators could:

• Oppose nominees they consider unsuitable.
• Delay confirmation proceedings.
• Demand additional information.
• Use committee hearings to question candidates.
• Reject nominations through Senate votes.

This could become particularly important if vacancies arise in the federal judiciary or other senior government positions.

However, Democrats cannot simply appoint their own preferred candidates to positions reserved for presidential nominations.

Trump retains the authority to nominate individuals, while the Senate retains its constitutional confirmation responsibilities.

**What it means:** The White House may need to negotiate more carefully over important appointments.

7. Why Democrats May Struggle to Pass Their Proposed Laws

Although Democrats have won control of both chambers, their majority does not give them unlimited legislative power.

There are two particularly important obstacles.

The Senate filibuster

Most major legislation in the Senate can face a filibuster.

Ending debate on many legislative matters generally requires 60 votes under the Senate's cloture procedure.

A simple majority is therefore not always enough to move a bill forward.

There are exceptions, including budget reconciliation, which allows certain tax and spending legislation to advance under special procedures.

Trump's presidential veto

Even if Democrats pass a bill through both chambers, Trump can veto it.

Congress can override a presidential veto, but that requires a two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate.

This means Democrats could introduce legislation, win congressional votes and still fail to turn their proposals into law.

The new majority gives the party substantial influence, but it does not remove the constitutional powers of the president.

8. First 100 Hours vs First 100 Days: What Is the Difference?

The two expressions have appeared in coverage of the Democratic agenda, but they should not be treated as identical.

The Associated Press reported that Democrats were preparing a broader 100-day agenda, with key measures expected to be introduced during the first 100 hours.

The distinction matters because the announcement of a bill or a congressional vote is not the same as completing a policy change.

Some proposals could advance quickly, while others may require extended negotiations or face opposition from the White House.

9. What Happens Next?

The next major milestone is January 3, 2027, when the new Congress is scheduled to convene.

Between Election Day and that date, the outgoing Congress remains responsible for its legislative work.

Once the new Congress begins, Democrats will have the opportunity to organise their chambers, establish committee leadership and begin pursuing their priorities.

The first major tests will likely involve whether the party can maintain unity across its different political factions, agree on legislative language and decide which proposals should receive priority.

Republicans will also remain active in Congress and can challenge Democratic proposals.

The outcome will depend not only on what Democrats announce but also on the size of their majorities, Senate procedures, negotiations with Republicans and Trump's willingness to sign legislation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Democrats' first 100 hours agenda?

It is an early legislative plan intended to advance Democratic priorities after the party takes control of the House in January 2027. Reported priorities include healthcare subsidies, Medicaid, tariffs, the Iran war and congressional oversight.

When will Democrats begin their first 100 hours in Congress?

The new Congress is scheduled to convene on January 3, 2027. The proposed first-100-hours push is expected after the new House begins its work.

What healthcare changes do Democrats want?

Democrats have said they want to restore expired Affordable Care Act premium subsidies and reverse Medicaid cuts included in Trump's domestic policy legislation.

Do Democrats want to remove Trump's tariffs?

Yes. Their proposed agenda includes legislation aimed at ending Trump's global tariffs and restoring congressional authority over trade policy.

Will Democrats try to end the Iran war?

Democrats have indicated that they want congressional action aimed at ending US involvement in the conflict. War-powers measures are one possible approach.

Can Democrats investigate Donald Trump?

Yes. A Democratic-controlled House can use its committee oversight powers to investigate the administration, request documents, hold hearings and issue subpoenas within applicable legal limits.

Can Democrats pass their agenda without Trump's approval?

Not automatically. Most bills must pass both chambers and receive presidential approval. Congress can override a presidential veto with a two-thirds vote in both chambers.

Does the first 100 hours agenda mean all the proposals will become law?

No. The agenda describes proposed legislative priorities. Each proposal must go through the applicable legislative process, and some could be blocked or changed during negotiations.

Conclusion

Democrats' victory in the 2026 midterm elections has given the party a new opportunity to challenge President Trump's policies and set the congressional agenda.

Their proposed first-100-hours push focuses on healthcare, tariffs, the Iran war and the cost of living. At the same time, the new majority plans to use congressional oversight powers to investigate the administration.

But the real test begins when the new Congress convenes in January 2027.

Democrats will need to turn their proposals into legislation, maintain support within their party and navigate the president's veto power and Senate rules.

The first 100 hours may set the tone for the next two years of US politics, but the ability to deliver lasting policy changes will depend on what happens after the announcements.

Sources and Further Reading

1. [ABC News – Democrats take the House: What they plan to investigate and their legislative agenda](https://abcnews.com/Politics/democrats-house-heres-plan-investigate-legislative-agenda/story?id=137832144)

1. [Associated Press – House Democrats plan a first-100-days agenda](https://apnews.com/article/018019529b14a6b3bc4a343a4e17c44f)

1. [ABC News Australia – US midterm elections have given Democrats control of Congress. What now?](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-11-04/us-midterms-democrats-win-majority-what-happens-next/107335330)

1. [Reuters – Democrats seize Congress in sweeping midterm repudiation of Trump](https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/democrats-seize-congress-sweeping-midterm-repudiation-trump-2026-11-04/)

1. [The Guardian – What can Democrats actually do now they have won Congress?](https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/nov/02/democrats-midterms-congress-win-power)

*Last updated: November 4, 2026.*

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