What’s on Dems’ shopping list
Health care, election reform at top
WASHINGTON — Democrats set to run the House for the first time in eight years have a brimming list of priorities to tackle, topped by election laws and ethics rules, prescription drug prices and infrastructure.
But with the 2020 presidential and congressional elections on the horizon most Democratic proposals have a better chance of becoming campaign issues than enacted law.
One thing seems certain: A Democratic-controlled House will mean plenty of hearings and investigations.
Here’s a look at Democrats’ early priorities and the hurdles they face:
FIRST, DECISIONS
Unlike the Senate, where determined opponents can use procedural roadblocks to derail the majority’s legislative train, the House operates on raw political muscle. A united majority can get its way every time.
Because Democrats will control the schedule, GOP efforts to repeal Obama’s health care law or broadly cut taxes anew won’t see the light of day. That still leaves Democrats with decisions and internal divisions to sort through.
On what issues should they try striking deals with Trump and Republicans to show they can govern?
Democrats’ answers will depend on who their leaders are, how demanding the party’s hard-left base proves to be and how their burgeoning field of 2020 presidential candidates steers the debate.
LEADING OFF
Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., hoping to reprise her 2007 through 2010 role as speaker, has talked about a first bill — HR1 — revamping campaign finance laws, election statutes and ethics requirements. The goal: Demonstrating that Democrats care about reform and that Trump’s “drain the swamp” mantra has achieved anything but.
While final decisions remain, Democrats are considering steps like curbing large political donations, making it easier for people to register and vote, and helping states protect ballot security.
OTHER EARLY GOALS
Democrats want to lower prescription drug costs, perhaps by letting the gigantic Medicare program negotiate prices for pharmaceuticals it purchases. This is a potential area for deal-making with Trump, who’s discussed cutting drug costs.
Democrats want to reduce health care costs overall, which their candidates highlighted in their midterm election campaigns, and buttress Obama’s health care law. Ways and Means Committee Democrats are considering reversing Trump’s move to allow low-cost, short-term insurance policies that don’t require coverage for people with pre-existing conditions.