Reduce Exacerbated Inflation Negatively Impacting the Nation Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. BOST. Madam Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Chair, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Consumer Price Index is defined as ``the average change over time in the prices paid by urban customers.''

Now, let me say that again: Urban customers. What about the 46 million Americans who live in rural areas or the 2.6 million workers that are working on a farm or the 1.3 million in the military? They are crushed by inflation, as well.

Illinois' 12th District is one of the largest agricultural districts in the region. It is also home of Scott Air Force Base. But all too often, these hardworking, God-fearing patriots are ignored by the D.C. swamp.

The President can't ignore their needs simply because they don't live in liberal cities like New York, L.A., and Chicago, so my amendment is simple.

Since the spending patterns of military personnel, individuals in rural areas, and farm households are not included in the CPI, they must be taken into account separately in this report.

These are the individuals who produce the food on our kitchen tables, the ones who raise their right hand and swear to defend our Nation. They deserve to be represented, to be heard. My amendment ensures that they are.

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Mr. BOST. Madam Chair, yes, because the definition itself describes that it is only urban and, therefore, not considering the issues, because I can guarantee you that the price and the situation that occurs in people's lives and the cost of living is completely different from one area to the other.

We are just saying that this should be taken into consideration, as well.

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Mr. BOST. Will the gentleman yield?

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Mr. BOST. It is my understanding, by the definition, that would be the case, that everyone should be considered. By this definition, it is not everyone that is considered, only urban.

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Mr. BOST. By the definition that the Consumer Price Index is defined as the average change, over time, in prices paid by urban customers, not by all customers, which would include the people I was talking about, urban only.

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Mr. BOST. Will the gentleman yield?

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Mr. BOST. Let me explain it this way. The answer is, I don't know, nor do you, nor does anyone because we only use the urban. Therefore, the best thing we could do is include all.

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Mr. BOST. Madam Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Comer).

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Mr. BOST. Madam Chair, I appreciate the input from everybody involved, and I ask for positive consideration.

Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

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