Lori Trahan

A frustrating fall for Congress is giving way to an end-of-year sprint. Democrats are touting off-year election wins and last week’s bipartisan Epstein files vote, while also wrestling with current leadership.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has been criticized for his handling of the government shutdown fight.

“I don’t get the opportunity to pick who leads that body. I’ve been very proud of our leadership in the House,” said Rep. Lori Trahan.

“I maybe would’ve made different decisions as a leader in the Senate both back in March and during this shutdown fight," she added.

Beyond those inner-party dynamics, a focus on ICE and immigration enforcement.

“When you don’t have oversight or investigations or any ability to hold an administration like this one accountable, then those questions go unanswered and these actions go unchecked,” Trahan said.

Democrats hope they can reclaim the House in 2026 and provide more scrutiny toward the Trump Administration’s approach to immigration and toward ICE.

@Issue

“I think we would have to make decisions on whether this is an agency that can be restored back to keeping our community safe, making sure that unlawful migrants who are here and committing violent crimes are not staying in our country,” Trahan said, “or if this has really been past the point of no return.”

Trahan is also keeping an eye on the Bay State’s Senate race. Earlier this year she endorsed incumbent Ed Markey. The congresswoman says she plans to stick with that decision even if others, like Rep. Ayanna Pressley, join the fray.