The top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Nov. 16 challenged President-elect Donald Trump to confront Russia, strengthen the Iran deal and beef up foreign aid.

In a wide-ranging interview with Capitol Hill reporters, Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., laid out a foreign policy platform for the incoming Congress that seeks to keep the United States engaged in the world while confronting US foes and undemocratic actors. Cardin predicted an activist Congress as Democrats and Republicans band together to confront Trump on some of his campaign rhetoric that's been out of step with traditional US policy around the world.

"I think my Republican colleagues agree with me — not with President-elect Trump," Cardin said. "In my conversations with several Republicans, after the election, they have acknowledged that we fall down on our responsibility when we don't act."

Cardin's comments are particularly noteworthy coming from a centrist Democrat who has worked closely with Republicans on national security issues. In addition, Democrats will hold at least 48 seats in the next Senate (49 if they improbably win a runoff in Louisiana), more than enough to force Republicans to compromise.