Impeach Trump? Work with him? Washington Democrats consider what to do with new majorities in Congress

With Democrats set to control both chambers after Tuesday’s midterm elections, they will take charge when the new Congress convenes on Jan. 3 and will have the power to set the legislative agenda. Still, party leaders say they must decide priorities and choose top officials before moving major bills. In interviews Wednesday, members pointed to cost reduction and ending corruption as central messages from voters. Sen. Patty Murray cited both as mandates. Rep. Adam Smith said he would push the House Armed Services agenda and also indicated he would vote to impeach President Donald Trump, arguing voters demanded action. Rep. Marilyn Strickland said she would vote to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth but warned against impeachment turning into a “media circus.” Sen. Maria Cantwell, expected to lead the Senate Commerce committee again, highlighted lowering healthcare costs, restraining tariff use, and ending the Iran war. She also said renewing the expired Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, passed in 2021, could be a near-term priority.