Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries have remained non-committal on key legislative priorities and potential investigations following the Democratic party's wins in the midterm elections, which secured them majorities in both chambers.
Schumer, D-N.Y., when pressed by Fox News Digital about whether he plans to abolish the Senate filibuster, twice sidestepped the question. Speculation has swirled around this possibility, particularly after former President Donald Trump repeatedly urged Senate Republicans to end the procedural rule to pass legislation. Trump had warned that Democrats would eliminate the filibuster if given the opportunity, which they now appear to have.
During a press conference, Schumer also declined to elaborate on his plans for the Senate's new majority, instead focusing on the "generational remake of the Senate map" resulting from the election outcomes. He indicated he expects to be re-elected as majority leader by the Senate Democratic caucus, despite potential opposition from some newly elected Democrats.
Jeffries, D-N.Y., also declined to answer questions about potential Democratic oversight efforts, including whether the House would investigate Elon Musk. When approached by Fox News Digital, Jeffries offered a thumbs-up but did not respond verbally to inquiries about probing Musk. Potential areas of scrutiny for Musk mentioned by lawmakers include his leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency, his companies' federal contracts, and his role in restricting internet access for the Ukrainian military.
The leaders' reticence comes as some newly elected members have expressed hesitation or opposition to backing Schumer and Jeffries for their respective leadership roles, leaving the determination of who will lead the chambers in limbo.