# Say the Dems sweep the 2026 midterms...then what? **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Tags:** trump\ **Created:** [January 3, 2026, 4:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/say-the-dems-sweep-the-2026-midterms-then-what/1026294 "2026-01-03T04:53:54Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Post date:** [January 3, 2026, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/say-the-dems-sweep-the-2026-midterms-then-what/1026294/21 "2026-01-03T20:28:01Z")
> [@BobLibDem](#): > > If there is a plan to lower inflation that would actually work, I’d like to see it. They could drastically reduce the price of cars by ditching the tariffs on Chinese EVs. My cousin in Guadalajara says you can buy new Chinese EVs there for the US equivalent of less than $10K. Apparently Mexico doesn’t have any tariff on Chinese cars. This won’t happen because we will protect Detroit. ---
**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Post date:** [January 3, 2026, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/say-the-dems-sweep-the-2026-midterms-then-what/1026294/22 "2026-01-03T20:34:09Z")
> [@pkbites](#): > > You should have been more clear about what you meant in your original statement. Considering that that statement was immediately preceded by: > [@BobLibDem](#): > > Affordability will be the driving issue, but this raises the question: what the hell can Democrats do about it? I’d say it was pretty clear that he was talking about what they can do about affordability and inflation _going forward_. ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [January 3, 2026, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/say-the-dems-sweep-the-2026-midterms-then-what/1026294/23 "2026-01-03T20:39:51Z")
> [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](#): > > My definition of sweeping in sports is winning every contest. Maybe it’s different in politics. Or just maybe use some contextual clues to realize you shouldn’t take it literally. ---
**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Post date:** [January 3, 2026, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/say-the-dems-sweep-the-2026-midterms-then-what/1026294/24 "2026-01-03T20:46:24Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > If the Dems hadnt taken the stand they did, the public wouldnt be aware of the GOP stealth attack on the ACA. > > The stand the Dems took and the GOP response hurt the GOP and will show up in this years elections. This. The other thing is, the CR that ended the shutdown (and will expire at the end of this month) funded things like SNAP through the rest of this fiscal year. That means that if the Dems shut down the government again in four weeks in order to force the GOP to restore Obamacare subsidies, they can keep the government shut down indefinitely without keeping struggling families from getting food. Which had been the reason the Dems ended the shutdown in November: those SNAP benefits had expired on 10/31. It’s great to fight for people to be able to afford health care, but not at the cost of people not being able to afford food. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [January 3, 2026, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/say-the-dems-sweep-the-2026-midterms-then-what/1026294/25 "2026-01-03T20:48:33Z")
As others have noted, the Democrats gaining a slim majority in the Senate this November is realistic. What’s very unlikely is them getting to 60 seats (making their majority filibuster-proof), much less 67 (the number of Senate votes needed to convict on impeachment). ---
**Author:** ![Latimera](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/latimera/32/497_2.png) [@Latimera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Latimera)\ **Post date:** [January 3, 2026, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/say-the-dems-sweep-the-2026-midterms-then-what/1026294/26 "2026-01-03T21:06:44Z")
Thanks for the informative and interesting responses. I’m paying attention, I just have nothing informative to add… ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [January 3, 2026, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/say-the-dems-sweep-the-2026-midterms-then-what/1026294/27 "2026-01-03T21:09:12Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > Because up to that point, the public was blaming the GOP for the shutdown, and now blaming them for the increase in healthcare. > > If the Dems hadnt taken the stand they did, the public wouldnt be aware of the GOP stealth attack on the ACA. So…the solution is to fuck millions of people on healthcare costs so they might blame republicans? Inflicting pain and suffering is what is needed to make them (hopefully) blame republicans? ---
**Author:** ![Latimera](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/latimera/32/497_2.png) [@Latimera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Latimera)\ **Post date:** [January 3, 2026, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/say-the-dems-sweep-the-2026-midterms-then-what/1026294/28 "2026-01-03T21:13:55Z")
> [@pkbites](#): > > So injecting huge amounts of money into the economy during COVID wasn’t one of the major causes of inflation? I’m a little confused, how is this in any way relevant to the topic being discussed? ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [January 3, 2026, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/say-the-dems-sweep-the-2026-midterms-then-what/1026294/29 "2026-01-03T22:10:30Z")
> [@Latimera](#): > > Thanks for the informative and interesting responses. I’m paying attention, I just have nothing informative to add… Also, as you noted in your OP that you’re a Canadian, a little bit about the “filibuster” rule in the Senate, and why a slim majority can’t get much done. The Senate is allowed to set its own rules for how it conducts business. And there is a Senate rule, the current version of which has been in force for many decades (sometimes called the “filibuster,” but more properly the “cloture” rule) which effectively means that almost no bill will make it to the Senate floor for a vote unless it’s supported by at least 60 Senators. It’s “almost no bill” because there is another rule which states that, up to three times per fiscal year, a “reconciliation” bill can be brought to a vote without requiring the support of 60 Senators, and can be passed with a simple majority. But, reconciliation can only be used on bills which are directly related to government budgets and spending. Because the filibuster/cloture is just a Senate rule, not a law, it _could_ be done away with at any time, if the Senate agreed to it. This is sometimes referred to as “the nuclear option,” and even though it’s been discussed and threatened many times, it’s not ever been employed, by either party. As the US has become more partisan, and as the D/R balance in the Senate has been very narrow for several decades (the last time one party held 60+ seats was 1979), it’s made it very difficult to get legislation through the Senate that doesn’t have bipartisan support (and that’s become increasingly rare). So, even in situations in which one party controls both houses of Congress, and the White House, it’s still challenging for that party to get significant legislation passed. > **[Filibuster for Dummies](https://thegouldstandard.com/2021/05/10/filibuster-for-dummies/)** > > By Isabella Sorgi   The filibuster has become a controversial political subject in the past couple of years. This powerful rule  requires that in order for a bill to be brought to th… ---
**Author:** ![OldOlds](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/a3d4f5/32.png) [@OldOlds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldOlds)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2026, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/say-the-dems-sweep-the-2026-midterms-then-what/1026294/30 "2026-01-04T00:32:46Z")
> [@Whack-a-Mole](#): > > Inflicting pain and suffering is what is needed to make them (hopefully) blame republicans? Sadly, I think that is the current state of US politics and the electorate’s intelligence. Congress really is that broken, and so is the way people access news and information. This is not so much a defense as a resignation on my part. ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2026, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/say-the-dems-sweep-the-2026-midterms-then-what/1026294/31 "2026-01-04T00:48:01Z")
> [@kenobi\_65](#): > > Also, as you noted in your OP that you’re a Canadian, a little bit about the “filibuster” rule in the Senate, and why a slim majority can’t get much done. You glossed over what the filibuster used to be. Today someone just needs to say they want to do it which makes it trivial to invoke. Back in the day, a filibuster required the senator to stand (never sit) on the floor and talk non-stop while there (within a little reason…they could pause a few moments but not stop). No pee breaks. No five minutes to rest. Never sit. Non-stop. They could tag-team with others, giving up the floor so they had a rest if they had reliable allies. Some senators would wear adult diapers so they could make it. They could talk about anything whatsoever. They could read the phone book if they wanted. Literally anything as long as they kept talking. The senator doing the filibuster could (and did) demand a quorum which meant a certain number of senators HAD to be in attendance (at least 51…and the Sergeant at Arms could and would send officers to collect senators and bring them to the senate…even if they had to physically carry them in against their will). The longest filibuster to-date is Strom Thrumond talking for just over 24 hours in one go to oppose civil rights legislation. These days the senators HATE having to sit there and listen to a phone book being read so they have made it waaaaay too eaasy to filibuster. IMHO…I like the old way. If something is important enough to oppose then stand there for hours and make it known. Not just say then then go for drinks with donors. See: [Mr. Smith Goes to Washington](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mr._Smith_Goes_to_Washington) ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2026, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/say-the-dems-sweep-the-2026-midterms-then-what/1026294/32 "2026-01-04T00:50:18Z")
> [@Whack-a-Mole](#): > > You glossed over what the filibuster used to be. You’re right, I did, intentionally. How it worked decades ago is interesting from a historical standpoint, but not relevant to a discussion of what a Democratic-controlled Senate could or could not do in 2027, which is the topic of the thread. ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2026, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/say-the-dems-sweep-the-2026-midterms-then-what/1026294/33 "2026-01-04T00:51:36Z")
As you noted the senate sets its own rules. They could make it this way again tomorrow if they wanted to (or whenever they do their rule-making session). I am under the impression that the senate majority leader could impose this if they wanted to but I am not 100% sure about that. ---
**Author:** ![PhillyGuy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ed655f/32.png) [@PhillyGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PhillyGuy)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2026, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/say-the-dems-sweep-the-2026-midterms-then-what/1026294/34 "2026-01-04T01:15:22Z")
> [@Kolak\_of\_Twilo](#): > > Defund ICE and conduct investigations into some of their most abusive actions. I think the Democrats will be able to conduct investigations. Defund ICE? Short answer: Impossible, because Trump rules by decree. Longer answer: Democratic Party centrists might join with Republicans to vote down defunding ICE. And even if it did pass both Houses (after Senate filibuster elimination), Trump would veto. But suppose Trump signed because of other provisions he likes, or to end a shutdown. And then he wants to spend more money than appropriated on the likes of ICE. He’s violated the [Antidefiency Act before](https://rollcall.com/2025/11/04/spending-law-unenforceable-if-the-president-wants-to-violate-it/), and would see a Democratic Congress as justification for doing it much more aggressively. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2026, 1:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/say-the-dems-sweep-the-2026-midterms-then-what/1026294/35 "2026-01-04T01:53:30Z")
> [@RTFirefly](#): > > They could drastically reduce the price of cars by ditching the tariffs on Chinese EVs. China is selling them as a loss leader in order to kill the US manufacturers. Biden realized this. > [@Whack-a-Mole](#): > > So…the solution is to fuck millions of people on healthcare costs so they might blame republicans? How was not ending the shut down going to fund ACA? It wasnt- ever, not matter how long the Dems kept the shut down going- that was obvious. > [@PhillyGuy](#): > > Defund ICE? The INS which is now ICE was founded in 1933. It is a necessary agency. Now, cutting it’s budget back is a good idea, and could pass muster. ---
**Author:** ![PhillyGuy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ed655f/32.png) [@PhillyGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PhillyGuy)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2026, 2:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/say-the-dems-sweep-the-2026-midterms-then-what/1026294/36 "2026-01-04T02:03:27Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > The INS which is now ICE was founded in 1933. It is a necessary agency. Now, cutting it’s budget back is a good idea, and could pass muster. I interpreted “Defund ICE” as any significant budget cut. This does bring up one thing that happens if Dems sweep the 2026 midterms. More vetoes. I still think ICE is so important to Trump that he wouldn’t respect a congressional appropriation limit. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2026, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/say-the-dems-sweep-the-2026-midterms-then-what/1026294/37 "2026-01-04T02:05:50Z")
> [@PhillyGuy](#): > > I interpreted “Defund ICE” as any significant budget cut. Okay, how much has their budget increased? ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2026, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/say-the-dems-sweep-the-2026-midterms-then-what/1026294/38 "2026-01-04T02:12:29Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > Okay, how much has their budget increased? Thanks to the Big Budget Act, it’s tripled. > [@](#): > > **Scale and Recipients of the July 2025 Funding** > > The biggest piece of the pie for enforcement operations in the United States will go to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to arrest, detain, and deport immigrants. Congress gave ICE $75 billion over four years, approximately $18.7 billion each year. Added to the $10 billion Congress already appropriated ICE for fiscal year 2025 in March, ICE now has $28.7 billion at its disposal this year. That $28.7 billion figure is nearly triple ICE’s entire budget for FY24. > **[Big Budget Act Creates a “Deportation-Industrial Complex”](https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/analysis-opinion/big-budget-act-creates-deportation-industrial-complex)** > > The result will be a lopsided, enforcement-only machine that will be hard to dismantle. ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2026, 2:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/say-the-dems-sweep-the-2026-midterms-then-what/1026294/39 "2026-01-04T02:16:07Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > How was not ending the shut down going to fund ACA? It wasnt- ever, not matter how long the Dems kept the shut down going- that was obvious. That’s simply not true. That was the whole point. Ever play chicken? That was the game and Dems were winning it till they decided to chicken out looong before they had to (and almost certainly the reps would have had to chicken out first). Talk about snatching defeat from the jaws of victory…dems did it. I can’t prove it but I would be willing to bet the dems that caved were paid off in some fashion (not necessarily a cash payment…that’s too obvious but some other quid pro quo deal). ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2026, 2:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/say-the-dems-sweep-the-2026-midterms-then-what/1026294/40 "2026-01-04T02:36:38Z")
> [@kenobi\_65](#): > > Thanks to the Big Budget Act, it’s tripled. Well, cut it by two thirds then. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/say-the-dems-sweep-the-2026-midterms-then-what/1026294.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/say-the-dems-sweep-the-2026-midterms-then-what/1026294.md?page=3)