Today, Congresswoman Fletcher (TX-07) highlighted the need to lower the cost of living for residents of Texas’ Seventh Congressional District and across the country.

“President Trump promised he would deliver lower costs for Americans—but his actions have done the opposite,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher.  “He has imposed reckless tariffs—one of the largest tax increases in our history—burdening our economy and businesses, and eroding the United States’ reputation and trust with our partners and allies.    

“Because of reckless policies and actions, hard-working Americans are losing their jobs, their health care coverage, and their ability to afford rent and groceries,” continued Congresswoman Fletcher.  “Yet President Trump and Republicans in Congress are doubling down on an irresponsible budget plan that proposes devastating cuts to critical programs that the people in Texas’ Seventh Congressional District rely on every day, including Medicaid, Head Start, and SNAP. 

“I understand how difficult it has been for families to keep up with rising costs and how important these vital programs are for our families, children, and seniors,” concluded Congresswoman Fletcher.  “I will continue to work to prevent cuts to these critical programs and to lower the cost of living for people across Texas’ Seventh Congressional District and across our country.”

Nearly half of all U.S. renters spend more than 30 percent of their income on housing.  Over the last two decades, housing costs have risen faster than income.

Since 2019, food prices have increased by more than 30 percent.  Americans are spending more of their income on food than in three decades.  The price of eggs is going up, and the United States Department of Agriculture expects it to keep increasing.  Reckless tariff authority has threatened American jobs, driven up the cost of living, and pushed our economy closer to a recession.

To help combat the rising cost of living, Congresswoman Fletcher has:

• Cosponsored the Prevent Tariff Abuse Act, H.R. 407, which would stop the President from imposing tariffs under the guise of a national emergency without approval from Congress;
• Signed a letter to the Office of Head Start Acting Director Captain Tala Hooban and the Health and Human Services Acting Secretary Dr. Dorothy Fink expressing concerns over the delayed grant payments to Head Start centers nationwide and ensure these programs expeditiously receive the funds that they are owed; and
• Signed a letter to Speaker of the House Mike Johnson urging him to reject any cuts to Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.

Meanwhile, the Republican House Budget Resolution (Senate Amendment to H.Con.Res.14) directs:

• $880 billion cut from the House Committee on Energy & Commerce, expected to come from Medicaid, which provides health care to nearly 80 million Americans;
• $230 billion cut from the House Committee on Agriculture, which is expected to come from assistance for underserved Americans, aka SNAP;
• $10 billion cut from the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, which could restrict IIJA funding;
• $1 billion cut from the House Committee on Financial Services, which is expected to come from the CFPB, which protects Americans from unfair financial practices; and
• $330 billion cut from Ed & Workforce, which are expected to come from Head Start programs, school meal programs, and federal student aid.