Stop the Republican Affordability Crisis

Floor Speech

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Mr. WHITESIDES. Mr. Speaker, every time I talk with constituents, I hear the same thing: Life is getting more and more expensive.

People are worried about making rent, paying for groceries, and dealing with gas prices that keep on climbing.

In just the past couple of weeks, we have received more proof of what our constituents are telling us. According to a recent report, California families saw their costs go up by more than $2,000 in 2025 due to inflation. That breaks down to $482 more going toward housing, like rent or a mortgage, and another $581 toward transportation costs, from buying a car to repairs and gas.

For food, families are paying even more because of the grocery tariffs from this administration. One trip through your local Stater Bros. or Vons is enough to feel the pinch. In 2025, families paid $76 more for ground coffee, $71 more for ground beef, and $51 more for eggs than they did in 2024.

Simply put, our economy is not serving hardworking families and the basic promises of the American Dream, like homeownership or putting a child through college, are harder and harder to reach.

Government works best when it is grounded in the needs of the people that it serves. Our constituents have been clear about what they sent us here to do, what they sent us here to fight for. We must stay focused on policies that make life more affordable. We are here to improve people's lives, and that responsibility should guide everything we do.

I will continue to fight every day to lower costs and keep the American Dream alive and within reach.

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