Gillibrand urges new Democratic Congress to halt Iran conflict

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York stated on November 5 that the newly empowered Democratic Congress must immediately move to end the war in Iran. The senator told NPR's Morning Edition that her party faces a difficult task: determining how much control they can exert while President Trump remains in the White House.

Gillibrand identified three primary objectives for the incoming majority. She said Democrats will focus on lowering national costs, restoring access to health care, and terminating the ongoing conflict with Iran. She challenged the president to test the new balance of power by vetoing bipartisan legislation to restore Medicaid coverage. "I dare him to veto that," Gillibrand said.

The senator also addressed the possibility of a third impeachment against the administration. While she did not commit to pursuing that specific action, she proposed a legislative ban on stock trading for members of Congress and senior administration officials. "We can do both," she said, suggesting the party can pursue accountability measures alongside legislative reforms.

Gillibrand cited the war in Iran as a major reason for the Democratic election victories. She argued that Trump broke his promise to avoid prolonged wars, and that the conflict drove up costs for voters. President Trump acknowledged on Wednesday that the war contributed to Republican losses in the recent elections.

The conflict continues despite these political shifts. Iranian officials have warned against renewed U.S. attacks, and Gillibrand admitted that it remains unclear how Democrats intend to bring the war to an end. In the same interview, she discussed Trump's construction of a ballroom and cuts to food assistance and medical research.