Bipartisan Efforts to Address Affordability in the U.S.

A bipartisan group of 45 House lawmakers, known as the Problem Solvers Caucus, has introduced an "affordability agenda" aimed at lowering the cost of living for Americans. This initiative focuses on several key areas, including housing supply, energy permitting, child care access, and health care costs. The proposals include replacing expired Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits and addressing fraudulent enrollments. The agenda emerges amid rising inflation and economic concerns, which have become top priorities for voters ahead of the midterm elections.

Lawmakers pitch bipartisan plan to address affordability crunchState lawmakers work to improve housing affordabilityCT 2026 legislative session begins, lawmakers eye affordability

The affordability agenda encompasses a variety of policy proposals designed to alleviate financial burdens on citizens. These include:

Lawmakers pitch bipartisan plan to address affordability crunch

• Speeding up permitting processes for energy projects.

House lawmakers press FERC on affordability, reliability and gas

• Increasing housing stock through tax-advantaged savings accounts for medical expenses and grants for health care worker training.

Lawmakers pitch bipartisan plan to address affordability crunch

• Enhancing transparency in the prescription drug supply chain.

Lawmakers pitch bipartisan plan to address affordability crunch

• Expanding a low-income housing tax credit and reducing the capital gains tax.

Lawmakers pitch bipartisan plan to address affordability crunch

Co-chairs of the Problem Solvers Caucus, Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pennsylvania) and Tom Suozzi (D-New York), have emphasized the need for Congress to prioritize cost reduction efforts. They have shared their agenda with House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) and the White House, who have expressed interest but require further details before offering support.

Lawmakers pitch bipartisan plan to address affordability crunch

In Connecticut, lawmakers are also addressing affordability issues as they convene for the 2026 legislative session. Governor Ned Lamont (D) plans to propose a rent cap and a one-time energy bill rebate to assist residents facing rising costs. Additionally, Democratic House Speaker Matt Ritter has highlighted the need for state action to compensate for federal funding cuts, while Republican leaders are advocating for property tax relief.

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Kentucky's state Senate has introduced legislation aimed at alleviating the housing shortage through infrastructure development. Senate Bill 9 would enable local governments to collaborate with developers to finance necessary infrastructure, while House Bill 229 proposes a $100 million affordable housing loan fund.

State lawmakers work to improve housing affordabilityCT 2026 legislative session begins, lawmakers eye affordabilityLawmakers pitch bipartisan plan to address affordability crunch

Despite the bipartisan efforts, there are differing opinions on the effectiveness of proposed measures. Some lawmakers question whether the $200 tax rebate proposed by Governor Lamont will significantly impact residents' financial situations. Critics argue that more substantial actions are necessary to address the ongoing affordability crisis.

Lawmakers to focus on affordability as new session opens

While the Problem Solvers Caucus has outlined a comprehensive affordability agenda, the deeply partisan nature of Congress raises questions about the likelihood of these proposals gaining traction. Additionally, the Senate has yet to take up the House's advanced extension of tax credits, which could further complicate efforts to address rising health care costs.

Lawmakers pitch bipartisan plan to address affordability crunch

• “In the House [an election] is always around the corner. We can’t let that stop us from doing our job,” — Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pennsylvania)

Lawmakers pitch bipartisan plan to address affordability crunch

• “Everybody in the country thinks that in return for working hard, you should make enough money so you can buy a house and educate your kids and have health insurance and retire one day without being scared,” — Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-New York)

Lawmakers pitch bipartisan plan to address affordability crunch

• “People are feeling the pinch. $200 might not seem like a lot, but it perhaps helps a family buy that week’s groceries, or pay that light bill.” — Rep. Farley Santos (D-Danbury)

Lawmakers to focus on affordability as new session opens

• “ The high price of gas in the Northeast “is unacceptable,” Swett said.” — FERC Chairman Laura Swett

House lawmakers press FERC on affordability, reliability and gas

These initiatives reflect a growing recognition among lawmakers of the need to address affordability issues, although the path forward remains uncertain amid political divisions.

State lawmakers work to improve housing affordability