House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said Democrats are prioritizing an end to the Iran war and did not rule out a government shutdown as leverage to press for that goal.

Jeffries also said House Democrats oppose sending additional taxpayer money to the Trump administration for the war, arguing that public funds should instead help make life more affordable.

The war’s unpopularity and rising gas prices were viewed as contributing factors in Democrats’ success in the 2026 midterm elections.

Democrats are projected to hold at least 255 House seats in 2027, with 12 races still uncalled, according to the Associated Press.

Meanwhile, Congress faces a funding deadline of December 11, 2026, and Jeffries said Rep. Rosa DeLauro is leading bipartisan “four-corners” appropriations negotiations while working through Democratic priorities.