House Democrats Prepare Progressive Bill Slate
Democrats are readying progressive legislation for the next Congress, though none of their bills advanced under the current Republican majority.
Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Legislative Policy
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Should Congress cut funding for ICE and expand paid leave for workers?
After the 2026 midterm elections, House Democrats prepared a slate of progressive bills, and eight incoming lawmakers who are members of the Democratic Socialists of America joined Rep. Ayanna Pressley in the new Congress. None of the Democratic bills advanced in the Republican-controlled Congress.
Why it matters
Lawmakers can reintroduce language from failed bills in the new session, and a House Democratic majority of more than 250 members could push them through. The proposals come after a campaign season in which candidates called to eliminate or defund ICE.
The Drain ICE Act would rescind $75 billion in funds ICE received under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, and Magaziner's paid leave bill has more than 80 co-sponsors. Whether any of these measures will receive a floor vote in the new Congress remains unknown.
The players
Ayanna Pressley
Democratic U.S. Representative from Massachusetts who leads progressive justice-reform efforts in the House.
Hakeem Jeffries
Democratic leader in the U.S. House who could steer the party toward poll-tested proposals and cost-of-living measures.
The details
Rep. Ayanna Pressley has introduced bills to end the federal death penalty and decriminalize prostitution, and her People's Justice Guarantee aims to combat mass incarceration. Other proposals include Rep. Nydia Velazquez's training for business owners on resisting ICE and Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández's resolution on wage disparity for Latinas.
Timeline
Early January 2027: Republican-controlled Congress session ends
2027: Progressive Caucus expected to have roughly 105 members
Legislative Context
The Drain ICE Act seeks to claw back $75 billion that ICE received under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, placing this bill in direct opposition to that law's funding priorities. Its prospects will depend on whether Democrats can secure a House majority capable of overriding the current Republican control of Congress.
If passed, the paid leave proposal would give a full-time worker two weeks of paid leave, accruing one hour for every 25 hours worked. The bills remain proposals with no scheduled votes, so no immediate changes to benefits or immigration enforcement are in effect.
The takeaway
Watch which progressive bills House Democratic leaders choose to bring to a vote, since that will show how much of this agenda can move in the new Congress.
Further reading
Explore more on Legislative Policy to see how bills like these move through Congress.
Live Poll
Should Congress cut funding for ICE and expand paid leave for workers?
