Democrats pledge to fight corruption and lower costs in new Congress

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, poised to become House Speaker after Democratic midterm gains, said Monday that Democrats will focus "relentlessly" on affordability while committing to "holding the crooks accountable" for corruption. Jeffries linked high living costs to corruption, citing CBS News exit polling showing roughly nine in 10 voters viewed government corruption as a major factor. He pledged to "follow the facts, apply the law" and address gas, groceries, housing, and healthcare costs. Jeffries also criticized President Trump's appointment of Stephen Miller as chief of staff, saying Miller has "blood on his hands" as "architect of the violent mass deportation machine," though he left room for cooperation on affordability.