Cost-of-living Emergency Act
Sponsored By: Representative Deluzio, Christopher R. [D-PA-17]
Introduced
Summary
This bill would declare a nationwide _cost-of-living emergency_ and set up a White House council, a bipartisan congressional commission, and enforcement teams to lower prices and boost supply of basic household necessities. It centers federal analysis on affordability and authorizes using the Defense Production Act to expand domestic production of essentials.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Joint task force on consumer costs
If enacted, the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission would co-chair a Joint Task Force to monitor and enforce against price gouging and anticompetitive conduct for essentials. The Task Force would investigate price spikes, share data with states, run a public complaint portal, and report within 60 days and every 90 days. The Task Force would end 30 days after the emergency expires.
National cost-of-living emergency
If enacted, the bill would declare a national cost-of-living emergency starting on enactment. The emergency would last 180 days unless Congress enacts a joint resolution to extend it. The declaration would enable the bill's other emergency powers and programs during that period.
DPA powers to boost essentials supply
If enacted, the President would use Defense Production Act Title III to expand domestic production of household essentials during the emergency. Agencies must make a DPA Fund strategic plan within 15 days and continuously assess industrial-base bottlenecks. The President could provide loans and guarantees to small and medium businesses, make purchase commitments to stabilize prices, and subsidize domestic raw materials. Before approving any contract, loan, or purchase, an agency head would have to certify in writing that the activity is supported by empirical data and can lower the price of a specific necessity within 180 days.
Congressional Cost-of-Living Commission
If enacted, Congress would create a 12-member Cost-of-Living Commission with appointments due within 14 days. The Commission would draft findings, policy recommendations, and model legislation with CBO budget estimates and must report within 180 days. The Commission would end 30 days after it files its final report. Funding for the Commission would come equally from specified Senate and House accounts while it operates.
White House council for household costs
If enacted, the Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers would set up a White House Cost Cutting Council within 7 days. Six Special Advisors would lead task forces on groceries, housing, utilities, health care, transportation, and wages and report weekly. The Council would publish quarterly State of Household Budgets reports during the emergency. During the same period, OIRA would require major rules to include a household budget impact statement comparing household and large-corporate effects, public unless national security prevents it.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Deluzio, Christopher R. [D-PA-17]
PA • D
Cosponsors
Levin
CA • D
Sponsored 4/14/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov