New Affordability Agenda Ahead of Midterm Elections
With control of Congress at stake and economic issues taking center stage in campaigns, a notable conservative organization is launching a comprehensive affordability agenda designed to sharpen the economic messaging for Republicans as the November midterm elections approach.
The Advancing American Freedom report, titled “Affordability 101,” is being shared ahead of its official unveiling in Capitol Hill. It outlines over 100 suggestions aimed at reducing the costs of housing, energy, food, and healthcare. The proposals focus on expanding supply, fostering competition, and cutting government obstacles.
This initiative serves as a tool for Republican lawmakers and their staff, especially as affordability becomes a crucial theme in the 2026 midterm elections. Founded by former Vice President Mike Pence, Advancing American Freedom posits that decreasing costs can be achieved through regulatory reductions, promoting competition, and enhancing domestic production rather than relying on new federal subsidies.
Tim Chapman, president of Advancing American Freedom, emphasized the need for conservative candidates to not just oppose their opponents but to present actionable solutions. “We want free market conservative candidates to go out there and not just put on the red jersey… but to give people ideas that actually work,” he shared.
Chapman also highlighted that the governmental structure plays a significant role in affordability, perhaps more than people realize. He explained, “If you look at interest rates right now… that’s something we need to be concerned about as Americans.”
Many recommendations align with the priorities of the Trump administration, such as expanding domestic energy production and reducing regulatory burdens. However, there are notable departures as well.
A point of contention arises with Vice President JD Vance’s proposition to broaden eligibility for childcare subsidies, potentially giving some families up to $9,000 per child annually. Richard Stern from the Plymouth Institute cautioned that this proposal could be perceived as a “divorce bonus” in certain cases.
On housing, the report states that government regulations increase the cost of new single-family homes by over 26%. It advocates for reforms in permitting, zoning, and land use to help manage construction expenses. Stern remarked that addressing these regulatory issues could significantly improve affordability.
Another key focus is the impact of tariffs on consumer prices, which Chapman noted adds to the financial burden on families. He stated, “If you look at your grocery bill, how much of that is impacted by tariffs? That’s driving up the price of goods.”
The report emphasizes that boosting domestic energy production and easing regulations surrounding artificial intelligence could assist in lowering costs. Trump has supported rapid development of data centers, despite concerns about their electricity usage and local effects, suggesting that they can actually lead to reduced energy prices in some areas.
As candidates prepare their economic narratives leading into November, Chapman hopes this report equips lawmakers with tangible policy ideas they can present to voters. “We want people to have those solutions,” he concluded, encouraging open discussions about future challenges and solutions with constituents.
