The pledge reflects a familiar pattern: parties typically turn to oversight when they take control of a congressional chamber. Lawmakers can use the tool to tell a story about the other side, and it can help avoid intraparty divisions by focusing attention on what the opposing party has done.
For Democrats, oversight also offers a way to keep the spotlight on Trump, even though he cannot run again. Health care is emerging as one area where they could direct that scrutiny, with the president’s drug pricing deals cited as a possible subject.
If Democrats flip either chamber, they will gain subpoena authority. That power would allow them to force the administration and company executives to testify and respond to inquiries.
The administration, however, could forcefully push back on those efforts, setting up a potential confrontation over congressional demands for testimony and information.