Luján Joins Leader Schumer and Senate Democrats to Unveil New Initiative to Lower Costs as Trump and Republicans Continue to Burden Americans with Tariffs, Unstable Economy,[...]

Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) joined Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senate Democrats to unveil a new forward-looking Democratic initiative to lower costs. Since taking office, President Trump-abetted by the Republicans in Congress-has plagued American families with higher costs. From slashing health care, housing, and food assistance to hiking prices with indiscriminate tariffs to handing new tax breaks to special interests and corporations, Republicans have tanked the economy and sent costs skyrocketing while prioritizing their billionaire donors over American families.

Despite his lofty campaign promises, it is clear - Trump and Republicans are raising costs, catering to the wealthy and well-connected, and leaving American families behind. The American people know from utilities to housing to health care, this economy isn't working for middle-class families. Rather than "starting on day one [to] end inflation and make America affordable again," Republicans have relentlessly pursued an agenda that has raised prices for families and businesses.

"President Trump promised to lower costs on day one, but prices for food and groceries continue to climb under his administration," said Senator Luján. "President Trump might think the affordability crisis is a hoax, but the data shows, and hardworking families know the real story. Senate Democrats will continue to push back against harmful Republican policies and fight for an economy that works for American families, not just the wealthy."

"Quite simply - the Republicans are leaving the American people behind. Now, families are left with high prices, inflation, and an erratic economy," said Leader Schumer. "The first year of Trump's administration has been nothing more than broken promises and handouts to corporations and the ultra-wealthy, while families pay the price. Their incompetence and malice demands a new vision for our country, one that actually focuses on the folks in the middle, not those at the top. Trump claims affordability is a "scam," but Senate Democrats know that these skyrocketing prices can be a matter of life and death. And we are going to fight to make sure millions of families can reclaim the American dream."

The new initiative from the Senate Democratic Caucus will focus on five key policy failures of the Republican Party's agenda:

1. Health Care: Trump and Republicans are responsible for skyrocketing premiums, deductibles, coverage loss, and the rising cost of caregiving.

1. Energy: By blocking cheaper, cleaner energy sources from the grid and raising taxes on more than 90% of new electricity, Trump and Republicans are skyrocketing working families' electric bills and demolishing high-quality jobs.

1. Housing: Trump and Republicans are dramatically worsening the housing crisis, slashing critical housing programs, and imposing punishing tariffs that are driving up construction costs for new homes.

1. Groceries & Household Goods: Trump and Republican policies have driven up prices on everyday essentials and pushed higher costs onto American families, all the while gutting critical food assistance, spiking broadband bills, and imposing tariffs on everything from strollers to car seats to cribs.

1. Tariffs: Trump and Republican chaotic, ill-considered tariffs are unilaterally raising prices for families by nearly $1,700 a year. Consumers, small businesses, manufacturers, and farmers are paying the price.

"We know what is dominating discussions across the country: costs. Americans don't know if they can afford their bills, whether it's for groceries, prescription drugs, or utilities. Those bills don't lie," said Senator Klobuchar. "Instead of working to lower costs like they promised, President Trump and Republicans in Congress are raising costs and leaving families behind. Our forward-looking initiative will focus on lowering costs for Americans' basic needs. Together, Democrats will keep fighting to deliver common sense solutions to the problems plaguing hardworking Americans and our nation."

"Electric bills are going to keep going up for people because the Trump Administration is driving them up on purpose," said Senator Whitehouse. "When you sabotage clean energy-as Trump and his minions are trying to do-you drive up demand for more expensive energy from fossil fuels. So, as Trump takes cheap clean energy off the grid, a big fossil fuel donor gets to run a plant that would otherwise be idle because it's too expensive to run. It's money directly from consumers to Trump's big fossil fuel donors. This is not only a cost problem, but it is also a corruption case, and we intend to make it aggressively."

"Donald Trump promised to lower costs 'on day one.' Instead his chaotic tariffs and failed economic policies have raised costs on Americans, especially the cost of housing," said Senator Warren. "If Republicans refuse to act to bring down housing costs, Democrats will do it ourselves when we take back Congress."

"What should be a season of giving has become a season of paying for America's 36 million small businesses. Instead of making it affordable to start and run a small business, Trump's terrible tariffs are bringing Pain to Main Street," said Senator Markey. "Tariffs have driven up costs for toys, clothing, and even Christmas trees-and once again it's small businesses who are paying the price. We need to end the Pain on Main and lower costs for small businesses, their employees, and their customers."

"When I travel across Georgia, I always hear the same thing: that folks' dollar isn't going far enough, and things are only getting more expensive. Because of the president's reckless tariffs, the cost of almost everything continues to skyrocket," said Senator Reverend Warnock. "During a holiday season when almost half of all families are buying fewer gifts for their loved ones, Congress should roll back these tariffs and focus our efforts on lowering costs for families."

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