Freshman House Democrats Put Affordability First, GOP Searches for a Message

Freshman lawmakers streamed into Washington on Sunday for orientation, still processing a midterm that handed Democrats control of both chambers. Democratic representatives-elect told CBS News their top job is making life cheaper for Americans — and their second job is oversight of the Trump administration. Scott Wiener, who won the California seat Nancy Pelosi held for decades, put it bluntly: lowering the cost of living comes first, but Democrats can multitask.

Maryland's Adrian Boafo framed the caucus's central question as what the affordability agenda will actually look like. His own answer centers on federal workers, pointing to 85,000 in his district and 30,000 across the state who he said have been laid off. Connecticut's Luke Bronin called for Democrats to go on offense on healthcare, housing and soaring electricity prices, and said the scale of corruption demands serious accountability, arguing Americans just made clear they're disgusted by it.

Republicans are still absorbing the damage. The party spent a historic effort redrawing congressional maps in its favor, and Democrats still flipped more than three dozen seats, from northeastern suburbs to South Texas. Missouri's Chris Stigall said a message was sent last Tuesday night and he wants to help figure out how the party reconnects with voters. Iowa's Chris McGowan acknowledged his party is now in a significant minority and will have to work hard to find shared ground with new Democratic legislators. Texas' Jon Bonck said he is open to bipartisan deals on housing affordability, deregulation, healthcare and tax cuts.

Not every newcomer is running on the same issue. Tennessee's Charlie Hatcher, who beat Andy Ogles in a primary after Ogles drew backlash for saying Muslims don't belong in American society, said diesel prices top his list — fuel costs ripple through transportation, logistics and groceries, and as a farmer he feels it directly.

The Congressional Progressive Caucus used Sunday's orientation to show off its growth. Chair Greg Casar announced at least 25 new members are joining, calling it the largest class of progressives, and argued a wider majority will let Democrats deliver on promises special interests blocked before, including Social Security expansion and taxing billionaires. Chair Emerita Pramila Jayapal summed up the group's targets as taking on corruption, taking on affordability, and ending endless wars.