Shared issues loom as House members cite affordability and priorities including holding Trump administration accountable

Cost of living takes center stage

Freshman lawmakers from both parties said they want to address Americans’ rising living costs. Scott Wiener, elected to represent California’s 11th Congressional District, called lowering costs the most important focus.

Adrian Boafo, the Democratic representative-elect for Maryland’s 5th District, said the House caucus needs to define its affordability agenda. He named federal workers as a top concern, citing 85,000 in his district and 30,000 laid off in Maryland.

Democrat Bronin called for new energy and bold responses on healthcare, housing and electricity prices. Republican Charlie Hatcher of Tennessee’s 5th District said he wants to focus on diesel prices.

Members weigh cooperation

Republican Chris McGowan of Iowa’s 4th District said his party would be a significant minority and would need to work with incoming Democrats where their interests overlap. He said he looked forward to communicating and cooperating on shared issues.

Republican Bonck said he would welcome Democrats who support housing affordability, deregulation, lower taxes and less government involvement in healthcare. Chris Stigall, a Republican representative-elect from Missouri’s 6th District, said he hoped to help reconnect with voters and better address their needs.

Progressive caucus sets goals

The Congressional Progressive Caucus introduced new members-elect at a Sunday briefing. Its chair, Greg Casar, said the group was welcoming at least 25 new members, its largest incoming class of progressives.

Casar said Democrats would deliver on promises they had not fulfilled before. Chair Emerita Pramila Jayapal listed confronting corruption, addressing affordability and ending endless wars among the caucus’s priorities.