Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) on Tuesday pushed back against the notion that President Trump's veto power should deter Democrats from advancing their legislative agenda when they take control of Congress in January.
Speaking at The Hill's Health Next Summit in Washington, Blunt Rochester outlined the healthcare priorities Democrats intend to pursue, including reinstating enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits and reversing regulatory rollbacks implemented under the current administration.
NewsNation's Washington Bureau Chief Mike Viqueira noted the political reality: despite Democrats winning back both chambers in the midterms, Trump retains the ability to veto any legislation that reaches his desk. But Blunt Rochester argued that should not stop Democrats from acting on what voters demanded.
"That shouldn't stop us from putting forward what the American people said they wanted and what they voted for," she said at the event, sponsored by AstraZeneca, the Healthcare Distribution Alliance, and the Partnership to Advance Cardiovascular Health.
Blunt Rochester emphasized a dual approach: reversing harmful cuts and reimagining the healthcare system. "I think you know there's two tracks that we have to go down. One is to reverse those cuts. People haven't even seen the impacts of the Medicaid cuts yet. They are coming," she said, referring to Medicaid rule changes set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2027, including new work requirements included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
She also highlighted the broader consequences of the ACA tax credits expiring and Medicaid cuts, particularly for people with disabilities. "The families have come to us and said this is a big concern for them, and then you've got to reverse and reimagine. The current system is not working for people," Blunt Rochester said.
The senator's remarks come as Democrats prepare to govern with a narrow majority, and as some analysts suggest Trump's veto threats may yield to legacy considerations, as discussed by a former GOP lawmaker and surgeon general. Meanwhile, other legislative battles loom, including potential fights over judicial appointments and foreign policy.
Democrats are also weighing how to handle other pressing issues, such as gas prices and AI chip export controls, which could shape the political landscape. But for Blunt Rochester, healthcare remains a central focus, and she insisted the party must not shy away from bold action despite the threat of a presidential veto.
