Gillibrand outlines plan to end Iran war and restore Medicaid after Democratic wins

Democrats have regained control of Congress, but the party now faces the immediate task of governing alongside President Trump. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York identified three primary goals for the new session: lowering consumer costs, restoring health care access, and ending the ongoing war in Iran.

Gillibrand stated that her party intends to introduce bipartisan legislation to restore Medicaid coverage. She challenged the President to reject the measure if he believes it is sound policy. "I dare him to veto that," she told NPR's A Martínez on Morning Edition.

The senator also proposed a ban on stock trading for members of Congress and senior administration officials. She framed this rule as a method to hold the executive branch accountable without requiring a vote on impeachment. When asked directly if Democrats would pursue a third impeachment, Gillibrand did not commit to the action.

"We can do both," Gillibrand said regarding the new trading ban and potential oversight efforts. She cited the war in Iran as a key driver of the party's recent electoral victories. She argued that the conflict contradicted Trump's earlier pledge to avoid prolonged military engagements and that rising costs contributed to the Republican loss.

President Trump acknowledged on Wednesday that the war in Iran played a role in the election results. Iranian officials continue to warn against renewed U.S. attacks. Gillibrand said the new majority must end the conflict, though she did not specify the exact legislative or executive mechanisms Democrats will use to achieve that goal.

The interview also covered Democratic gains in traditionally Republican states, the construction of a White House ballroom, and reductions in food assistance and medical research funding. Gillibrand identified these issues as areas where the new Congress will scrutinize administration actions.