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Democrats have laid out their “must-have” victories as they prepare to assume complete control of the US Congress next year.
They are planning swift action on several issues during the early weeks of January to address the electorate's key priorities. Democrats across the House of Representatives and the Senate said their initial legislative focus would target rising consumer costs, healthcare affordability and public frustration surrounding the Iran war.
The incoming majority also intends to confront widespread public dissatisfaction regarding ethics violations and political corruption, factors widely viewed as driving the nationwide defeat of Republicans.
Asked about his primary legislative priorities for early January, Democratic Sen. Brian Schatz of Hawaii said on Thursday, "I can confidently say that we want to do a congressional stock trading ban."
Lawmakers trading individual stocks has long drawn public anger across party lines, with critics pointing out that members of Congress draft policies behind closed doors that directly influence market values.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who is anticipated to serve as the next House speaker, outlined his early legislative ambitions for 2027 to reporters.
"We have to make sure that we're cleaning up the mess here in the Congress with the executive branch and at the…
