House GOP Leaders Lay Out Legislative Priorities for New Term

WASHINGTON, D.C. - House Republican congressional leadership is laying out their legislative plans before the new congressional term begins in January. House Democrats said they’re willing to work across the aisle but worry some of the Republican policy plans might be too extreme to get on board with. 

“The agenda will be very fast paced,” said Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R- LA). “It will be very full.”  

On Tuesday, House Republican leaders announced some of the priorities their party is looking at when the new congress is in session next year, adding they’ve also been working with President-Elect Donald Trump on this. 

“To focus on lowering costs for families at the grocery store, at the gas pump, their energy bills, to secure the borders,” said Rep. Steve Scalise (R- LA). “I assembled all of the committee chairs last week to discuss what we will be doing to go through reconciliation starting in January.” 

Reconciliation bill is a procedural tool they can use to pass legislation without Democratic-member's support. In January, Republicans will be in the majority in both chambers and in the White House. Some said it will be an uphill battle for Democrats to move forward their legislative priorities.  

“We are clear eyed about the challenges that lie ahead in the 119th congress but we are ready to fight for everyday Americans,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar (D- CA). “Our focus remains tackling the affordability crisis in housing, childcare and the grocery store.” 

Both parties said border security is a top issue but House Democrats said they’re concerned about far-right leaning proposals like mass deportations of undocumented immigrants, which is what Trump is suggesting.  

“We need to secure our border,” said Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D- NY). “We need a safe, a strong, secure border. A humane border. We should secure the border in a bipartisan way.” 

“If there is common ground we will find it but we will also call out some of the extreme proposals the incoming administration is proposing,” said Rep. Aguilar.