Conservative Group Unveils Affordability Agenda for Republicans

Advancing American Freedom, a conservative group founded by former Vice President Mike Pence, has released a comprehensive affordability agenda titled "Affordability 101." The report outlines more than 100 recommendations aimed at reducing the costs of housing, energy, food, and healthcare by increasing supply, fostering competition, and diminishing government regulations.

The blueprint is designed to serve as a resource for Republican lawmakers and staff as affordability emerges as a critical issue in the upcoming midterm elections. Advancing American Freedom advocates for market-based solutions, arguing that reducing regulations and boosting domestic production, rather than implementing new federal subsidies, are key to lowering costs.

"We want free market conservative candidates to go out there and not just put on the red jersey or not just fight against the blue jersey, but to go there and give people ideas that actually work," said Advancing American Freedom President Tim Chapman. He emphasized that the size and scope of government significantly impact the economy and affordability, citing debt and deficit concerns fueling rising interest rates.

Many of the report's proposals align with priorities from the Trump administration, such as expanding domestic energy production, increasing housing supply, reducing regulatory burdens, and encouraging innovation. However, the report also presents divergences from past administration stances.

Key Policy Proposals and Disagreements

One area of divergence is related to childcare subsidies. The report questions a proposal by Senator JD Vance to expand eligibility for the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), which could provide up to $9,000 per child annually to some married families with a stay-at-home parent. Richard Stern, vice president of the Plymouth Institute for Free Enterprise at Advancing American Freedom, expressed concern that such a program could inadvertently incentivize divorce.

On housing, the report identifies government regulations as adding approximately 26.4% to the cost of a new single-family home. It calls for reforms in permitting, zoning, and land-use policies to reduce construction expenses. Stern highlighted these reforms as particularly impactful for improving affordability.

The blueprint also argues that tariffs increase consumer prices, a point of contention with the previous administration's trade policies. Chapman stated that tariffs contribute to higher prices for goods, negatively affecting consumers' budgets.

The report further suggests that expanding domestic energy production and easing regulations on artificial intelligence and data centers could help lower costs. Stern noted that data centers can generate revenue for counties and potentially reduce energy prices for local residents.

Chapman expressed hope that "Affordability 101" will equip Republican candidates with concrete policy ideas to present to voters as they campaign on economic issues. "We want people to have those solutions," he said. "When they go home and talk to their constituents about the future of the country, they can say, 'I actually have an idea. Here's an idea for getting interest rates down or here's an idea for more small business growth.'"