{
  "id": 18262053,
  "title": "Democrats won on affordability. Can they deliver it?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/05/democrats-won-on-affordability-can-they-deliver-it-18262053",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-11-05T06:01:05.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "BBC Business",
    "slug": "bbc-business",
    "url": "https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ck1ex50x5q46o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Two business owners, one in Texas and the other in Indiana, share a common concern: the high cost of living. Kim Hanks, who owns a hotel, restaurant, and spa in Texas, says she has had to raise wages for her 300 employees due to increasing grocery and fuel costs. Danny Reynolds, the owner of a clothing and bridalwear store in Indiana, simply hopes for consistency and cooperation from Washington. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries stated that Democrats won on affordability, but now they must govern on it. The difficult part lies ahead, as President Donald Trump still holds the power to block their plans.\n\nThe scale of the Democratic victory was bigger than expected, with seven Republican-held Senate seats changing hands. Voters were primarily concerned with their grocery bills, electricity bills, and the price at the petrol pump. In rural Texas, rising costs were even hurting Republicans. Sid Miller, the outgoing Republican agriculture commissioner, reported that ranchers are getting $300 to $500 less for each head of cattle, while also facing record fertilizer costs.\n\nDemocrats have outlined their priorities under the banner \"Fighting for an Affordable America.\" Healthcare is their top priority, with plans to bring back the financial assistance provided by the Affordable Care Act and reverse the 2025 cuts to Medicaid. They also want to eliminate import taxes that add thousands of dollars to the cost of groceries, fertilizers, and building materials. Ending the war in Iran is another priority, as it is linked to rising petrol prices. Housing is another focus, with some Democrats aiming to build four million new homes over the next decade. Lastly, Democrats want to increase tax credits for families with children.\n\nHowever, the question remains: can Democrats actually deliver on these promises? Investor Ken Fisher, founder of Fisher Investments, believes that Congress can't get anything past a presidential veto, and President Trump can't get anything he wants. This means that Democrats will likely face a period of relative quiet on the legislative and regulatory front. Tariffs are unlikely to be abandoned, as Trump is likely to retain his trade policy. Democrats will need Republican support to change it. The average tariff rate on imports is expected to remain around 10% for the rest of Trump's term.\n\nSome Democrats may attempt to pressure businesses into lowering prices for consumers by questioning companies that passed on the cost of tariffs to customers. Senators like Ron Wyden may use their committee to reassert congressional authority over trade policy and hold companies accountable. However, the impact of these actions may be limited, as the price of petrol, diesel, and fertilizers will largely depend on the outcome of the war with Iran. If prices come down, Democrats may struggle to claim credit; if they go up, they may share the blame.",
  "summary": "Democrats will hold Congress but President Donald Trump still has the power to block their plans.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Hill",
        "title": "Democrats flip open Arizona House seat",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/05/democrats-flip-open-arizona-house-seat",
        "published": "2026-11-05T01:44:21.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "CBS News",
        "title": "What comes next as Democrats win House, Senate",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/05/what-comes-next-as-democrats-win-house-senate",
        "published": "2026-11-05T02:49:54.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Times",
        "title": "Americans deliver rebuke to Trump as Democrats win House and Senate",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/05/americans-deliver-rebuke-to-trump-as-democrats-win-house-and-senate",
        "published": "2026-11-05T03:25:29.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}