Rep. Sewell Releases New Report Detailing the Affordability Crisis Facing Alabama's 7th Congressional District

Report outlines rising cost of groceries, housing, utilities, gas, and healthcare under President Trump and Congressional Republicans

Birmingham, AL - Today, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) released a new report examining the growing affordability crisis facing families across Alabama's 7th Congressional District. The report details how President Trump's economic policies and congressional Republicans' legislative agenda have driven up the cost of everyday essentials while threatening access to healthcare and food assistance for thousands of Alabamians.

The report comes as House Democrats unveil their "Fighting For An Affordable America Agenda," with exactly 100 days until Election Day. The agenda involves three pillars: lowering the cost of groceries, gas and housing, providing affordable healthcare for every American, and cleaning corruption by holding the crooks accountable.

Watch Rep. Sewell's video message here.

Among its findings, the report notes that Alabama families are paying an average of $2,700 more for basic living expenses, families in Alabama's 7th District now spend an average of $1,110 per month on groceries, and approximately 70,000 people in AL-07 are expected to see their health insurance costs rise because Republicans allowed enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits to expire. The average Alabama household has paid $686 more for gasoline since President Trump launched his unauthorized war in Iran, and more than 81,800 Alabamians have already lost SNAP benefits under Republicans' budget law.

"One hundred days before Election Day, Alabama families deserve to know the truth about who is driving up their costs," said Rep. Sewell."President Trump promised to lower prices on Day One. Instead, families across Alabama's 7th District are paying more for groceries, housing, electricity, gas, and healthcare while Republicans in Congress have chosen to cut Medicaid and food assistance to help pay for tax breaks for billionaires."

"It doesn't have to be this way," continued Sewell. "House Democrats are fighting for an Affordable America by lowering the cost of groceries, gas, and housing, making healthcare more affordable, and holding corporations accountable when they exploit consumers and drive up prices. Alabama families deserve an economy that works for them-not just the wealthy and well-connected."

The report highlights several economic challenges facing Alabama families, including:

• Alabama families are paying an average of $2,700 more for basic living expenses under President Trump and congressional Republicans.
• Families in Alabama's 7th District paid an average of $233 more for electricity in 2025.
• The average monthly grocery bill in AL-07 has reached $1,110.
• The average Alabama household has paid $686 more for gasoline since the start of President Trump's war in Iran.
• The average annual cost of child care for two children in Alabama has climbed to $16,640.
• Approximately 24,353 people in Alabama's 7th District are projected to lose health coverage because of Republican cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act.
• More than 81,800 Alabamians have already lost SNAP benefits.
• More than 20,000 Alabama individuals and families filed for bankruptcy in 2025, a 6.7 percent increase over the previous year.

The full report, "The Affordability Crisis in Alabama's 7th Congressional District: How President Trump and Congressional Republicans Are Driving Up Costs for Alabama Families," is available here.

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