Capitol Hill, White House focus on affordability with new policy initiatives

WASHINGTON —

The federal government has reopened after the longest shutdown in U.S. history, and the focus is now shifting to affordability , a pressing issue for millions of Americans. From Capitol Hill to the White House, lawmakers are concentrating on reducing costs.

The White House is proposing bold solutions to address affordability, including 50-year mortgages and $2,000 tariff checks. Kevin Hassett, National Economic Council director, said, "We're working overtime on reducing costs." Advertisement

Among the changes, the White House announced new trade frameworks with Latin American countries to lower grocery costs. September's inflation data shows significant price increases for coffee, bananas, and beef over the past year.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order Fri