Rep. Hakeem Jeffries outlined an assertive agenda for House Democrats on Monday, saying the party would not provide funding for the Trump administration’s deportation operations. Democrats are preparing to take control of the chamber after strong midterm election results.
Jeffries spoke at a press conference a week before House Democrats are due to vote on whether he should continue as their leader. He said voters had decisively rejected what he called “MAGA extremism” and had chosen major change.
He said Democrats would not fund the administration’s mass deportation effort, which he described as violent. Jeffries also argued that taxpayer money should go toward making life more affordable, not toward policies he called “un-American.” He accused the administration of harming American citizens and targeting law-abiding immigrant families and communities.
Jeffries said he hoped to gain one more Republican’s support for a discharge petition that would force a House vote on the American Dream and Promise Act. The legislation would offer permanent legal status and a path to citizenship for Dreamers and people with Temporary Protected Status.
He also said Democrats want legislation barring members of the House and Senate from trading stocks, arguing that the measure could help restore public confidence in government.
Jeffries backed an impeachment resolution against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, criticizing his conduct during the war in Iran and alleging constitutional violations. He accused Hegseth of abusing his authority and weakening national security, and called the conflict a costly failure that had driven up gas prices and made the country less safe. Jeffries also claimed Iran was now stronger than before the war.
Asked whether progressive Democrats’ criticism of his leadership concerned him ahead of next Wednesday’s caucus vote, Jeffries said he intended to speak with every member. He said he would make the case for what Democrats had accomplished together over the past two years and discuss what they could pursue in the next two.
