For millions of Americans, affordability is not an abstract policy debate. It’s the daily stress of choosing between groceries and prescriptions, rent and childcare, gas and electricity. Families everywhere are feeling it, and they are right to demand answers.
More than a year after his self-imposed “day one” deadline to cut costs, the president and his Republican allies in Congress have not only failed to lower the costs of groceries, housing, or health care, but are actively and deliberately making life more expensive for hardworking Americans.
The American people need a real plan to make life more affordable. Instead of addressing the problem, the president has dismissed affordability as a “fake story” that “means nothing.” But there’s nothing fake about families falling behind, workers stretching their paychecks, or seniors worrying about whether they can afford to age with dignity.
That’s why we’ve teamed up with our colleagues in the New Democrat Coalition to create the New Dem Affordability Agenda, which lays out a common-sense roadmap to reduce the five core costs crushing working Americans: health care, housing, energy, family care, and everyday household goods like groceries.
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The New Democrat Coalition is the largest Democratic ideological group in the House of Representatives, with 115 lawmakers focused on breaking the deadlock and getting things done. Our agenda is not just a wish list from a white paper; it is a workable path forward, based on competition, increased supply, and policies that put working families first.
Groceries and household supplies
Checkout prices remain high, partly because supply chains are fragile and markets are becoming increasingly concentrated. President Trump’s trade policies have only made matters worse. Broad rates function like a sales tax on everyday goods, and we all pay the price. Recent analyzes estimate that rate-related costs add about $1,600 per year to the average household’s expenses. The Affordability Agenda strengthens domestic supply chains, supports families and small farmers and promotes competition to reduce prices.
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Healthcare
Healthcare costs continue to rise faster than wages, putting pressure on both families and employers. Recent Republican health care legislation would make matters worse by shifting costs onto households and small businesses. Independent estimates predict that more than 15 million Americans will lose coverage, while premiums for another 22 million will double or triple. When coverage disappears or becomes unaffordable, families delay care and employers face higher costs that limit hiring and wage growth. Our approach protects health care coverage, increases transparency, enforces accountability and expands competition to make health care affordable and predictable.
Housing
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The United States is facing a severe housing shortage, estimated at approximately four million homes nationwide, and the consequences are manifesting in rising rents and fewer pathways to homeownership. Years of red tape and outdated regulations have limited new construction. Our agenda removes these barriers and commits to building at least four million new homes over the next ten years. More supply won’t solve everything overnight, but without it, affordability will remain out of reach.
Energy
Household energy bills are rising due to underinvestment, allowing delays and uncertainty that slow progress. Families shouldn’t have to wonder if next month’s energy bill will blow their budget. Our plan accelerates responsible energy development and modernizes the electricity grid to keep power reliable and affordable.
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Family care
The costs of childcare and elderly care force families to make impossible choices. Too many parents are cutting back on hours or leaving the workforce entirely because care is unavailable or unaffordable. Too many seniors worry about how they will age safely. We’re working to expand access to child and elder care so families can afford to work, care for loved ones and plan for their future.
Affordability is a core part of the administration’s promise to the American people: If you work hard in this country, you should be able to provide a safe and comfortable life for yourself and your family.
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We believe everyone should be able to afford the basics – housing, healthcare, food, child care, education, a pension and more – with enough left over to buy that car, take that vacation and save for your future.
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That’s what our Affordability Agenda is about: renewing the promise of affordability to every American, not just to get by, but to get ahead.
This is not about ideology. What matters is whether Washington is willing to take affordability seriously and act urgently. Families across the country are asking for help. The New Dem Affordability Agenda is our answer.
Democrat Chrissy Houlahan represents Pennsylvania’s 6th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives.
