Democrats have won the House and Senate in an election shaped by the cost of living and the war in Iran. For many Americans, the two issues met at the petrol pump as fuel prices rose after the fighting began in February. When Democrats take control of Congress in January, they can demand an account of what the war has cost and decide whether to pay for its next phase. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth could face an impeachment vote even sooner.
Iran and the price of continuing the war
The next Pentagon request for money gives Congress a chance to press the administration on three questions. What has the campaign achieved, what would further operations cost and under what conditions would US forces withdraw? Democrats can refuse new funding for an escalation. Ending hostilities is harder. President Donald Trump could veto a resolution directing him to withdraw, and overriding him would take two-thirds of each chamber.
Hegseth faces a more immediate test than Trump
House Democrats introduced articles of impeachment against Hegseth in April. In September, Republican congressman Thomas Massie filed separate articles alleging, among other things, that Hegseth carried out orders for hostilities against Iran without congressional authorisation. Massie has said he intends to seek a vote before the outgoing Congress finishes its work.
For Trump, investigations into possible conflicts between his public duties and family business interests are more likely as a first step. A third presidential impeachment would require a House majority. For either man, removal would require conviction by two-thirds of senators present, meaning substantial Republican support.
What changes for Ukraine and Putin
Trump has largely halted direct US military and financial aid to Ukraine. Democrats can bring a new aid package to a vote and seek Republican backing. For Vladimir Putin, the risk is that Kyiv regains a dependable supply of American weapons. The telling evidence will be what Congress funds and when it arrives. Trump will still lead US diplomacy with Moscow.
Immigration enforcement faces closer examination
Immigration and Customs Enforcement already has funds available through the 2029 fiscal year, limiting the leverage Democrats gain from annual budget negotiations. Hearings could nevertheless establish how agents use force, what warrants they rely on to enter homes and who investigates complaints. Those findings would give Congress a basis for deciding whether to tighten the law governing raids and detention.
Newshub Editorial in North America – 4 November 2026
Democrats have won the House and Senate in an election shaped by the cost of living and the war in Iran. For many Americans, the two issues met at the petrol pump as fuel prices rose after the fighting began in February. When Democrats take control of Congress in January, they can demand an account of what the war has cost and decide whether to pay for its next phase. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth could face an impeachment vote even sooner.
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