Gillibrand Says Democrats Must End Iran War, Hold Trump Accountable

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York said Democrats, who have won back Congress, plan to focus on lowering costs, restoring health care access and ending the war in Iran, according to an interview with NPR's Morning Edition.

A dare on Medicaid

Gillibrand challenged Trump to reject bipartisan legislation that would restore Medicaid coverage. "I dare him to veto that," she told NPR's A Martínez.

Pressure to hold Trump accountable

Democrats face pressure to hold the Trump administration accountable, with new investigative powers in hand and the possibility of a third impeachment on the table, according to NPR. Asked about impeachment, Gillibrand did not commit to pursuing it. "We can do both," she said, proposing a ban on stock trading by members of Congress and senior administration officials.

Ending the war in Iran

Gillibrand pointed to the war in Iran as a factor in the party's election victories, saying Trump had broken his promise to avoid prolonged wars as the conflict drove up costs. "We have to end this war in Iran," she said.

Trump acknowledged Wednesday that the war had contributed to Republicans' election losses, according to NPR. The conflict continues, with Iranian officials warning against renewed U.S. attacks.

Beyond Iran

In her interview with NPR's A Martínez, Gillibrand also discussed Democrats' gains in Republican-leaning states, Trump's ballroom and cuts to food assistance and medical research.