House Democrats getting down to the grunt work of governing

WASHINGTON (AP) — A House committee will hold its first hearing on gun violence in years. Two other panels will gavel in hearings on climate change. Three more will debate protecting pre-existing health conditions and the Affordable Care Act.

And that’s all before noon on Wednesday. After eight years in the minority, House Democrats are ready to uncork their bottled-up legislative energy. Their agenda goes beyond oversight of President Donald Trump’s administration and Russian election interference, turning to the bread-and-butter issues of jobs, health care and the economy.

The grunt work of governing will play out far from the House floor, in the cramped confines of committee rooms.

With the longest government shutdown over, for now, the new House majority is eager to deliver on its promises before the next election.