Politics news and discussion on TalkFuse.
The new Congress may struggle to push a progressive agenda
Democrats won a historic victory in the 2026 US midterm elections, but Donald Trump remains president for two more years, limiting what the new Congress can achieve. The article argues that Democrats will focus on constraining Trump, promoting a policy agenda ahead of 2028 and pursuing areas of possible cooperation, while presidential vetoes and party divisions are likely to curb legislation.
Congress has limited ways to act on foreign policy without presidential approval, though bills and investigations can shape debate even if blocked. A key contest could concern government funding: if Republicans fail to pass an annual funding bill by year-end, Democrats could gain influence over funding for the current year and the following two years, including Israel’s annual $3.3bn allocation. They may also revisit restrictions such as the ban on funding the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA.
In short
- Democrats face limits despite their midterm victory.
- Trump can veto many bills and resist oversight.
- Funding decisions could put Israel’s $3.3bn allocation in debate.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Democrats can argue that a historic electoral mandate gives Congress a duty to scrutinise the president, set out alternatives and use its powers over funding and oversight to press for changes. Even where Trump can veto legislation, debate over aid to Israel and restrictions on UNRWA funding could make foreign policy more accountable and reflect voters’ priorities.
The case against
Critics can argue that using funding negotiations to constrain a president’s foreign policy risks weakening US commitments and creating uncertainty for allies and humanitarian operations. With Trump retaining the veto and Democrats divided, efforts to force change may yield little legislation while consuming time that could be spent on areas where cooperation is possible.
Explained simply
The US Congress is the country’s national legislature, made up of the House of Representatives and the Senate. It passes laws, approves government spending and can investigate the work of the president’s administration, but the president can veto bills and Congress may not have enough votes to override that veto.
The president leads US foreign policy, so Congress has limited power to change it on its own. It can still hold hearings, investigate decisions and pass bills that shape public debate, even when the president blocks them.
Congress also decides how federal money is allocated. That includes aid to other countries and funding for international organisations such as the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, so disputes over the annual budget can affect these programmes.
Government Middle East Politics World