House Democrats are preparing to take control of Congress with an immediate test of their willingness to confront President Donald Trump: a possible vote this week to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

The vote comes as more than 100 incoming lawmakers and prospects, most of them Democrats, gathered on Capitol Hill Sunday for new-member orientation. Behind the introductions and excitement, Democrats are debating how to use the power voters handed them in the midterms.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who is poised to become speaker next year, told ABC News over the weekend that he was a “hard yes” on impeaching Hegseth, who is leading the administration’s war effort in Iran.

Republican Rep. Thomas Massie is expected to file new articles of impeachment Monday, replacing a measure he introduced before the midterms and forcing a House vote. Several House Republicans believe the measure could pass, particularly if members who lost their seats skip votes this week. Even if Hegseth survives, he could face renewed scrutiny when Democrats take control of both chambers next year.

Jeffries also faces a broader strategic choice as he meets incoming members: whether to seek deals with Trump or prioritize opposition to his administration. Some freshmen from Republican-leaning districts favor cooperation, while others are wary of compromise. The party must also show progress on campaign promises to lower costs ahead of the 2028 elections.

Incoming Missouri Democrat Fred Wellman said he wanted to work with party leaders on affordability and corruption. Michigan Rep.-elect William Lawrence said Democrats should send the president popular legislation and press him to sign it.

“We’ll have to put the ball in the president’s court to see what he does,” Lawrence said.

Meanwhile, senators are scheduled to hold their first procedural vote Monday on a bipartisan permitting deal intended to speed approvals for energy projects. Supporters see the lame-duck session as a final opportunity to pass the measure, but opposition from newly empowered Democrats, congressional leaders and tribes could threaten its prospects.