Jeffries pushes for Iran war end

Cheyenne, Wyo. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said Friday that Democrats will move quickly to end the war in Iran and hold the Trump administration accountable following their midterm victories. Jeffries, who is expected to become the next Speaker of the House, told NPR's Morning Edition that the party should not wait for the new Congress to convene to act on the conflict.

He described the conflict as a "war of choice" that has driven up the cost of living for Americans. According to Jeffries, the war has caused gas prices, diesel prices, and fertilizer prices to skyrocket. This rise in input costs has subsequently increased the price of groceries and other everyday goods.

With majorities in both the House and the Senate, Jeffries said Democrats plan to advance a war powers resolution. This legislation would require President Trump to either sign the measure or veto it. If the president chooses to veto the resolution, Democrats would need to gather two-thirds majorities in both chambers to override the decision. Currently, Democrats do not hold a veto-proof majority in either chamber.

Jeffries also addressed the ongoing dispute regarding Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky has stated he will force a House vote on eight articles of impeachment if Hegseth does not resign. In response to the question of whether Democrats would support impeachment, Jeffries said the caucus will have that conversation immediately upon their return.

He characterized Hegseth as "the most unqualified secretary of defense in American history." Jeffries added that he had called for Hegseth to be fired by President Trump in the spring of 2025 and has not changed his position. "He's got to go," Jeffries said, while noting he did not want to get out ahead of the caucus on the specific procedural steps.

The incoming leadership plans to use the House Judiciary and Oversight committees to investigate alleged wrongdoing by the Trump administration. Jeffries noted that Democrats had battled Trump on every issue up until the recent election and decisively defeated him. He defended the party's record by stating that they fought for affordability and held Republicans accountable for corruption.

Jeffries acknowledged that voters expressed a desire for new leadership during the campaign. He said the decision on the next House speaker rests with the House Democratic Caucus. He emphasized that the party's goal is to make life more affordable while ensuring the government functions as a separate and co-equal branch.

The war powers resolution is scheduled to be advanced in the current session. Democrats aim to present the president with a clear choice regarding the Iran conflict. The outcome of the vote will determine whether the administration can continue the war without congressional approval.

Jeffries said the caucus will gather to discuss the strategy for the new Congress. This includes deciding on the path for the impeachment question and the scope of the oversight investigations. The party plans to follow the facts and apply the law to guide their actions.

The next step is for Democrats to formally introduce the war powers resolution on the House floor. They will also begin the internal caucus discussions regarding the handling of Defense Secretary Hegseth. These actions are set to take place in the days following the November 3 election results.