Jeffries Seeks Speakership, Sets 100-Day Agenda

Hakeem Jeffries has formally asked incoming House Democrats to support his bid to become Speaker, while outlining a first-100-days agenda focused on affordability, oversight and what he called American values. The House vote is expected when the 120th Congress convenes on January 3, 2027; Jeffries has not yet been elected. In a letter to incoming lawmakers, Jeffries said Democrats should work to reverse Medicaid cuts, restore funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, extend Affordable Care Act tax credits, end President Donald Trump’s tariffs and stop the war in Iran. He presented those measures as priorities for the new majority’s first 100 days. Jeffries also said the House should investigate the executive branch and act as a check on it. His stated accountability priorities include addressing price gouging. He grouped the agenda under affordability, accountability and American values, including protections for voting rights and equal treatment under the law. The proposals would face legislative and political hurdles. A bill to reverse tariffs or change other federal policies would need to pass the Senate and could face a presidential veto. House...