Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) said Tuesday that President Trump's veto threats should not deter Democrats from advancing their legislative agenda when they take control of Congress in January. Speaking at a healthcare summit in Washington, she outlined key priorities for the party's upcoming majority.
Blunt Rochester, speaking at The Hill's Health Next Summit, highlighted two main areas: reinstating enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits and reversing cuts to Medicaid oversight implemented under the current administration. She argued that these measures are essential to address the needs of American families.
NewsNation's Washington Bureau Chief Mike Viqueira pointed out that despite Democrats winning control of both chambers in the midterms, Trump retains veto power, which could block any legislation they pass. Blunt Rochester responded that this should not prevent them from pursuing 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, which was sponsored by AstraZeneca, the Healthcare Distribution Alliance, and the Partnership to Advance Cardiovascular Health.
The senator warned of impending Medicaid cuts, noting that the full impact is not yet visible. "People haven't even seen the impacts of the Medicaid cuts yet. They are coming," she said, referencing rule changes scheduled to take effect on Jan. 1, 2027, including new work requirements under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Blunt Rochester also emphasized the broader consequences: "You've got the ACA tax credits, the Medicaid cuts, the impact that's going to have on people with disabilities. The families have come to us and said this is a big concern for them." She called for a dual approach of reversing harmful policies and reimagining the system, saying, "The current system is not working for people."
The debate over healthcare comes as Democrats prepare to wield power in a divided government. Some analysts suggest that Trump's veto threats may yield to legacy considerations, according to former GOP lawmakers and a former surgeon general. Meanwhile, other issues like gas prices and foreign policy are also competing for attention.
Blunt Rochester's remarks signal that Democrats intend to use their congressional majority to push a robust healthcare agenda, even if it risks presidential vetoes. She argued that the party must stay true to its promises, particularly on issues that affect vulnerable populations.
The senator's comments reflect a broader strategy among Democrats to frame the upcoming session as a mandate for change, despite the constraints of a Republican president. Whether they can overcome those obstacles remains to be seen, but Blunt Rochester made clear that inaction is not an option.
