Gas hits $4.02 as Democrats vow to focus on costs after midterms
Senate Democrats plan to prioritize single-payer healthcare in their first year, while House leaders prepare oversight inquiries into the executive branch.
By Petra Murphy ·
The average price for a gallon of gas reached $4.02 on Sunday, a figure that stands $1.00 above the national average from the previous year, according to data from AAA.
This price surge, driven in part by the launch of the Iran war, dominated the cost-of-living concerns for voters heading into the midterms. Many Americans expressed disapproval of President Trump's handling of the economy and inflation in the lead-up to the elections.
Following their wins this week, Democratic leadership outlined a dual-track strategy for the new congressional session. Senator Bernie Sanders, an Independent from Vermont, told NBC News that while Democrats must hold the administration accountable, they cannot devote all their energy to investigations.
Sanders stated that the party must stand up for working-class families. He advocated for passing a single-payer healthcare plan, known as Medicare for All, within the first year of Democratic control. Sanders described Trump as mentally unbalanced and erratic but noted that the president is a good politician who might support the policy to claim credit for aligning with other major countries.
In the House, the new leadership is preparing for a more aggressive oversight stance. Robert Garcia, a Democrat from California, will chair the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. He has already urged the administration to lawyer up. Hakeem Jeffries, the Democrat from New York set to become the next House Speaker, said on Tuesday that the chamber will focus on Americans first while investigating alleged corruption among officials and their associates.
The White House responded to these plans on Sunday. Attorney General Todd Blanche appeared on CNN and addressed the calls for investigations into the president and his cabinet. Blanche acknowledged the right to criticize the administration but drew a line at threats directed at conservative donors and potential hires. He argued that such threats make it difficult for individuals to work for the government.
Congressional control shifts in January. House Democrats will take the gavel, and Senate Democrats will manage the legislative agenda. The immediate legislative push will center on healthcare reform and economic relief, while the Oversight Committee begins its review of executive actions.
