AFFORDABILITY CRISIS

On 2026-07-16, Representative George Latimer (D-NY-16) delivered a floor speech titled "AFFORDABILITY CRISIS" in the House.

AFFORDABILITY CRISIS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 116 (Thursday, July 16, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 116 (Thursday, July 16, 2026)] [House] [Page H4615] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] AFFORDABILITY CRISIS (Mr. LATIMER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, many of my colleagues have spoken about the affordability crisis, forcing families to figure out how to make ends meet, but let's make something clear: The affordability crisis isn't just a political buzzword like the President claims. This is a real crisis, and it is made worse by the President's decisions: a war of choice in Iran, indiscriminate tariffs, and tax cuts for billionaires, just to name a few, all this while 1 month of groceries in my home district in New York now averages over $1,200 a month. Since this President took office, the average additional cost of living for basic essentials in New York has risen to $4,000. These costs are more than just numbers. They reflect sacrifices at the grocery store, an elderly couple without care, or a young person unable to put away savings. As some in public life line their own pockets by the billions, my colleagues and I remain focused on the only thing that matters: making life more affordable again. ____________________