As the midterm elections approach, House Democrats are faced with a strategic dilemma: What should be the cornerstone of their legislative agenda if they regain the majority? Hakeem Jeffries, the House Democratic Leader, is championing "affordability" as the primary pitch to voters. However, not all members of his party are on board with making this the focus of their flagship bill, H.R. 1.

This week, several senior Democrats expressed a desire to prioritize other critical issues such as voting rights, anti-corruption measures, and the reversal of certain Trump-era policies. Representative Jamie Raskin, a key figure on the Judiciary Committee, emphasized the importance of securing voting rights. "We must guarantee the right to vote and to have free and fair elections, as these are the foundations of a democratic society," Raskin stated.

In particular, Yvette Clarke, chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, advocated for the revival of the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act in any new legislative push. Clarke also highlighted comprehensive immigration reform as a potential focal point for the Democrats' first bill.

The debate extends to how affordability issues should be tackled. Jeffries has initiated five working groups, each co-led by moderates and progressives, to explore different approaches. Meanwhile, New Democrat Coalition Chair Brad Schneider has proposed targeting President Donald Trump’s tariffs as a primary action if Democrats take control.

The Congressional Progressive Caucus has a different view, focusing on a plan that doesn’t involve tariffs but aims to lower living costs. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, leading a health care working group with Rep. Terri Sewell, shared her broader vision: “If I could wave my magic wand, we'd all have guaranteed health care,” she remarked, highlighting the diversity of priorities within the party.

Other News to Watch:

— TRUMP TRIES TO KICK-START RECON 3.0: President Trump is pushing for new Republican legislation that includes a significant increase in Pentagon funding and efforts to pass the stalled SAVE America Act election overhaul.

— DOOMED FISA VOTE: A vote in the House on extending FISA Section 702 is expected to fail, potentially leading to the first-ever lapse of the surveillance program as lawmakers struggle to find a path forward.

— WHITE HOUSE AI STRATEGY: The White House is considering a strategy to preempt state-level AI laws by integrating legislation into bills aimed at enhancing children's safety online. This week, officials met with tech companies and children's safety groups to build support for the plan.

As the Democrats iron out their legislative priorities, the coming months will be crucial in shaping the party's approach to potentially regaining control of the House and setting the agenda for the next congressional session.