As American families struggle with rising prices, Sen. John Kennedy says Washington is failing to address what matters most: the cost of living.
The Louisiana Republican revealed this week that he has personally urged Senate Majority Leader John Thune to move legislation aimed at easing the financial pressure on working Americans. Kennedy warned that families are being crushed by high prices while Democrats remain focused on political distractions.
In a Monday post on X, Kennedy credited President Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress with pushing inflation down from its Biden-era high, while cautioning that lower inflation hasn’t yet translated into relief for families at the grocery store.
Using a tongue-in-cheek plea, Kennedy urged Senate leadership to deploy the reconciliation process to move genuine cost-of-living relief through Congress.
Kennedy expanded on his concerns during a recent appearance on the podcast hosted by Ben Shapiro, where he said Washington elites are badly out of touch with everyday Americans.
“When moms and dads lie awake at night, they’re not worried about Washington’s cultural debates,” Kennedy said. “They’re worried about groceries, rent, insurance, and whether they can make it to the next payday.”
He warned that many families now feel forced into desperate measures just to afford basic necessities, describing a middle class that is steadily being squeezed out of the economy.
Kennedy noted that inflation has declined from about 9 percent during the Biden administration to roughly 3 percent today, attributing the shift to Trump-era policies and Republican influence in Congress. He stressed, however, that prices remain high and are only increasing more slowly.
“We’ve got to do more,” Kennedy said. “You can’t tell Americans everything is fine when their grocery bill says otherwise.”
According to Kennedy, Congress’ historically low approval ratings reflect growing frustration with lawmakers who appear disconnected from economic reality. He said voters see massive spending, special-interest handouts, and bailouts for elites — while the middle class is left paying the price.
While acknowledging that the Senate is designed to move deliberately, Kennedy said the cost of living crisis should override political delays, especially as housing costs, insurance premiums, and food prices remain stubbornly high.
The senator dismissed bipartisan efforts to end the filibuster, arguing that rolling back Senate safeguards would fuel unchecked government growth without lowering everyday costs for American families.
Kennedy said debates within the Republican Party are healthy, but economic relief must remain front and center.
Foreign threats from China, Russia, and Iran matter, he noted, but for millions of Americans, the most urgent crisis is happening at home — the struggle to afford everyday life.