In action Monday, June 6 on Capitol Hill, U.S. Representatives Josh Harder (CA-10), Angie Craig (MN-02), and Chris Pappas (NH-01) led a letter to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer urging immediate action to address the rising cost of goods in the United States. In their letter, the Members argued that, with only six legislative weeks scheduled between now and a late summer district work period, leadership must do more to prioritize bills that would address surging costs, which they identified as the most urgent challenge impacting their constituents.

“Hardworking families in our districts and across the country are facing rising costs across the board. While the reasons for these rising costs are many and varied, the fact remains that these inflationary pressures are harming our constituents, small businesses and working families,” the lawmakers wrote. “We continue to hear from folks who are wondering what Washington is doing to address these problems.”

In their letter, the Members encouraged House Leadership to bring to the floor legislation that would address: the rising costs of household goods such as groceries, baby formula and other everyday and essential supplies; the high price of gasoline and overall energy purchases that individuals and small business owners rely on for transportation and commerce.

Also, they seek to address the negative economic impacts of climate change on our communities, including families dealing with increased costs due to natural disasters like droughts and wildfires; and input costs at all levels of the supply chain, including in sectors like manufacturing and agriculture, which play an important role in many other sectors.

“With the time that remains in the 117th Congress after the important upcoming votes on gun violence prevention – and particularly in the few months that remain before the late summer district work period – we urge you to prioritize bills that would lower costs for working families, address rising inflation and resolve supply chain challenges,” the lawmakers stated.