With Democrats holding slim majorities in both the House and Senate in 2023, they are pushing an ambitious legislative agenda aimed at building on policies enacted over the past two years. Several major bills have already been introduced that address issues like climate change, healthcare, immigration, gun control, and voting rights. While passage is not guaranteed in the closely divided Congress, Democratic leaders are hoping to get as many key bills signed into law as possible before the next election cycle gets fully underway.
Climate Change and Clean Energy
One of the top priorities for Democrats is passing legislation to invest in clean energy and combat climate change. Building on the Inflation Reduction Act passed in 2022, Democrats have proposed bills like the Clean Energy Accelerator Act, which would invest $100 billion in technology like solar, wind, nuclear power, clean vehicles, and carbon removal. The bill sets a goal for the US to achieve 100% carbon-free electricity by 2035. Another proposal called the Environmental Justice for All Act would establish an office of environmental justice at the EPA and require federal agencies to address the disproportionate impacts of pollution in minority communities. These bills face opposition from Republicans, but Democrats are hoping public concern over climate change will help build support.
Healthcare Reform
With the Affordable Care Act securely in place, Democrats are looking to further expand healthcare access and affordability. The Lower Drug Costs Now Act would allow Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices directly with pharmaceutical companies and cap out-of-pocket drug costs for seniors. The Medicare Dental, Vision, and Hearing Act would add those services to Medicare coverage. Bills to lower the Medicare eligibility age to 60 and expand Medicaid coverage in the 12 states that have not adopted expansion are also being considered. These healthcare bills poll well with voters, but cost and industry opposition pose challenges.
Immigration Reform
Democrats have unveiled sweeping immigration reform legislation in 2023. The U.S. Citizenship Act would provide a path to citizenship for Dreamers, undocumented farmworkers, TPS holders, and many other undocumented immigrants. It also includes provisions to address the root causes of migration from Central America, increase border security, and reform the legal immigration system. With immigration a highly polarized issue, this bill faces an uphill battle to secure enough Republican support in the Senate. But it remains a top priority for Democrats to finally enact comprehensive reforms.
Gun Control
Gun control legislation has taken on increased urgency for Democrats after mass shootings in 2022 and 2023. Bills have been proposed to require universal background checks, ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, and allow courts to temporarily restrict firearm access for those deemed a danger to themselves or others. With Republican opposition to new gun restrictions entrenched, Democrats are divided on how far gun control bills can realistically go. But in a rare bipartisan effort, a more modest proposal to incentivize state red flag laws is gaining some traction.
Voting Rights and Election Reform
After new voting restrictions were enacted in Republican-led states following the 2020 election, Democrats have made election reform legislation another top priority. The Freedom to Vote Act would make Election Day a federal holiday, set nationwide standards for early and mail voting, end partisan gerrymandering, and increase campaign finance transparency. The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act would restore key provisions of the Voting Rights Act to prevent discriminatory voting laws. These bills are seen as vital to protecting voter access, but have not gained any Republican support so far.
Other Priorities
Beyond their biggest headline bills, Democrats are pursuing several other economic, social, and good governance priorities. Bills to raise the federal minimum wage, expand paid family and medical leave, lower prescription drug costs, strengthen antitrust enforcement, protect LGBTQ rights, and admit Washington D.C. as a state have all been introduced. Democrats are pushing issues like these to appeal to their base despite dim odds in the 50-50 Senate. Even if they do not pass, putting Republicans on record against popular reforms could pay political dividends.
Outlook
Despite Democrats’ ambitious agenda, the razor-thin majorities in Congress mean not all these bills will become law. Most legislation will need 60 votes to overcome the filibuster in the Senate, requiring bipartisan compromise with Republicans. Key moderate Democrats like Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema could also demand significant changes to pass their priorities. But Democratic leaders believe they were elected with a mandate for action on these issues. By passing as much legislation as possible in 2023, Democrats hope to retain their congressional majorities going into the 2024 elections.