New Congressional Majority Must Make Affordability A National Priority

NEW CONGRESSIONAL MAJORITY MUST MAKE AFFORDABILITY A NATIONAL PRIORITY, NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE URGES

President & CEO Marc Morial Calls on Congress to Advance "Affordability for All" Agenda Focused on Wages, Housing, Family Supports, Broadband Access, and Lower Consumer Costs

NEW YORK (November 5, 2026) — With a new majority set to take office in Congress, the National Urban League is calling on lawmakers to seize the opportunity to deliver meaningful relief to working families by advancing the organization's Affordability for All Agenda, a comprehensive policy framework designed to address the rising cost of living and expand economic opportunity across America.

In a letter to incoming congressional leadership, the organization outlined its legislative and oversight priorities for the 120th Congress, calling for bold action to strengthen economic security, protect civil rights, and restore government accountability. 

Morial also shared a video message highlighting the urgency of adopting the Affordability for All Agenda.

The agenda outlines five core priorities that are essential to restoring economic security and strengthening pathways to the middle class: establishing a national living wage, restoring critical investments in families, making housing affordability a national priority, expanding affordable broadband access, and ending inflationary tariffs that drive up consumer costs.

"Americans sent a clear message that affordability is one of the defining challenges of our time," said Marc H. Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League. "The new Congress has an obligation to move beyond partisan gridlock and pursue practical solutions that make it easier for families to afford housing, put food on the table, access health care, stay connected, and build a secure future."

The National Urban League is calling on Congress to:

Establish a National Living Wage. The Affordability for All Agenda recommends increasing the federal minimum wage and automatically indexing it to inflation so workers' pay keeps pace with the rising cost of living. No one who works full time should live in poverty, and fair wages are fundamental to economic mobility and family stability.

Repeal and Replace the "Big Ugly Bill." Lawmakers must restore investments in health care, education, student aid, nutrition assistance, and other proven programs that help families achieve economic security and upward mobility. Strong public supports provide the foundation for long-term prosperity.

Make Housing Affordability a National Priority. Recognizing that housing costs consume the largest share of most family budgets, the National Urban League supports universal housing vouchers for eligible families and establishing a robust National Affordable Housing Trust to finance the construction and preservation of affordable and workforce housing.

Restore Affordable Broadband Access. High-speed internet is essential for work, education, health care, and civic participation. Reestablishing and strengthening the Affordable Connectivity Program will ensure every family can remain connected to opportunity.

End Inflationary Tariffs That Increase Consumer Costs. Policymakers must eliminate tariffs that raise prices on everyday goods and place unnecessary burdens on households already struggling with higher costs. Trade policy should strengthen American competitiveness without driving up the cost of living.

Beyond affordability, the National Urban League is calling on Congress to restore meaningful oversight and accountability, including investigations into government corruption, abuses of executive authority, the politicization of federal agencies, and attacks on civil rights organizations and other institutions. The organization emphasized that congressional oversight must serve its constitutional purpose of exposing wrongdoing, protecting fundamental rights, and informing legislative reforms that strengthen democratic institutions. 

The National Urban League also urged lawmakers to use the full range of congressional tools, including legislation, appropriations, and, where appropriate, budget reconciliation, to advance these priorities and restore critical federal investments. 

"This is about dignity, opportunity, and whether hard work still provides a pathway to a stable and secure life," Morial said. "It is about whether young people can envision owning a home and raising a family, whether seniors can retire with confidence, and whether workers can achieve economic mobility without constantly worrying about the next bill."

Morial called on elected officials, business leaders, labor organizations, and community advocates to work together to build an economy that works for everyone.

"Families are looking for solutions, not slogans," Morial said. "By raising wages, expanding housing opportunity, preserving essential family supports, restoring affordable internet access, and reducing unnecessary consumer costs, we can build an economy that rewards work, expands opportunity, and delivers affordability for all."