Democrats plot a post-midterm reckoning for Lee Zeldin
Source: By Kevin Bogardus, Andres Picon, Politico • Posted: Thursday, October 22, 2026
Democratic lawmakers are preparing an onslaught of oversight for the Trump administration’s environmental priorities if they win control of Congress — and they’re aiming squarely at EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. Requests for internal agency documents, public testimony, subpoenas and even impeachment of officials are on the table, according to Democratic members and aides.
“You got to start first with stopping the bleeding and seeking accountability, especially where the administration has hurt the livelihoods of people and also served its own financial interests,” said Rep. Gabe Amo (D-R.I.), the ranking member on the Science, Space and Technology Committee’s Subcommittee on the Environment. The plans hinge largely on Democrats wresting control of at least one chamber of Congress in November’s midterm elections, which polling indicates is likely. Committee leadership would add authority to Democrats’ oversight and throw some heft behind the warnings the party has lobbed at EPA leaders over alleged public harm during Zeldin’s tenure.