Feb 13, 2025 Story by: Editor
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) announced on Monday the formation of a new task force aimed at countering the Trump administration’s efforts to disrupt the federal government. The move comes as Democratic lawmakers seek to reassure their frustrated grassroots supporters that they are actively working to push back against the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
“We are engaged in a multifaceted struggle to protect and defend everyday Americans from the harm being inflicted by this administration,” Jeffries wrote in a letter to his Democratic colleagues.
To spearhead this initiative, he introduced a “Rapid Response Task Force and Litigation Working Group,” led by Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse (D-Colo.). The group will be co-chaired by Reps. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), Gerry Connolly (D-Va.), and Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), who serve as ranking members of the Appropriations, Oversight, and Judiciary committees, respectively. “It’s an all hands on deck effort simultaneously underway in Congress, the Courts and the Community,” Jeffries added.
Despite their efforts, Democrats face significant challenges in opposing Trump and Elon Musk, as Republicans hold the majority in both congressional chambers. However, Democratic lawmakers have been inundated with calls from constituents urging them to take stronger action.
Last week, Democrats staged rallies outside targeted federal agencies, attempted to subpoena Musk, and one backbench lawmaker even introduced articles of impeachment against Trump. In addition, they have pledged to back lawsuits filed by ousted federal officials, state attorneys general, and others seeking to block what they claim are illegal DOGE actions.
One key leverage point for Democrats is the federal appropriations process. Jeffries has indicated that Democrats may withhold their votes on funding bills unless Trump halts his efforts to freeze federal funds. Even centrist Democrats have signaled their willingness to support this strategy, despite the potential risk of a government shutdown. With federal funding set to expire on March 14, the showdown over these measures is likely to escalate. Source: MSN
