House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries used a campaign rally in Pennsylvania to unveil the party's 'Fighting for an Affordable America' agenda, making affordability the centerpiece of the Democrats' push to retake the US House of Representatives with 100 days until the midterm elections.

'When you work hard and play by the rules, you should be able to live a middle-class life, a comfortable life, an affordable life,' Jeffries said. He outlined key components: a good-paying job, housing, healthcare, education for children, and a good retirement.

The focus on affordability comes as many Americans struggle with rising costs of everyday essentials. US government data shows grocery prices are up 33% since early 2019. Housing has become increasingly unaffordable due to pandemic-era price surges and higher interest rates. A Reuters/Ipsos poll found 74% of Americans believe the cost of living is on the wrong track.

Jeffries also emphasized government ethics and corruption, pledging to crack down on price gouging, ban stock trading by top officials, release Jeffrey Epstein files, and 'hold the crooks accountable.' He accused Republicans and President Donald Trump of making life more expensive, pointing to Trump's growing wealth and tax breaks for billionaire donors.

Jeffries folded the Iran war into his economic pitch, saying Republicans spent on Trump's 'reckless war of choice in Iran' while failing to make life affordable at home. 'When it comes to making your life more affordable, the cookie jar is empty,' he said.

While offering few specifics on policy, Jeffries promised to lower costs of groceries, gas, and housing, make healthcare affordable, and protect Medicare and Social Security if Democrats win back the House. He called on voters to give Republicans 'a pink slip' in November.

Source: www.aljazeera.com