Senate Democrats Iran US

The United States’ war with Iran is entering its third week, but Congress has yet to publicly test the Trump administration’s case for the conflict. Republicans in Congress have so far side-stepped public debate over the war. But Senate Democrats are reaching for every tool at their disposal to demand hearings with Trump administration officials. Some Democrats are threatening this week to force a series of votes on the war, hoping that the efforts to gum up the Senate’s voting schedule will prod Republicans to action.

Democrats are pushing new tax-cut plans to ease voters’ affordability worries and blunt Republicans’ advantage on the issue. Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland proposes ending federal income tax for many people earning about $46,000 or less. New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker backs a plan that wipes out tax on the first $75,000 of income. Democrats say simple tax relief sells better than complicated credits. Critics warn these plans drain money for restoring funding for Medicaid and other priorities. Analysts also say benefits can tilt toward higher earners and add to deficits.