Rep. Nancy Mace Introduces Bill To Hold Washington Accountable For Driving Up The Cost Of Living For American Families

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 1, 2026) - Today, Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-SC) introduced the American Family Cost-of-Living Relief Act of 2026, forcing federal agencies to calculate exactly how much their regulations will cost American families before they can take effect. If a rule would substantially increase household costs, it cannot go into effect unless required by law or certified as necessary to address a national security emergency or presidentially declared disaster.

South Carolina families and families across the country are feeling the weight of rising costs. Grocery prices have increased nearly 30% over the last five years. The median household spends nearly 30% of their income on rent. Utilities and healthcare costs continue to climb. Washington has been making it worse for years and has never been required to answer for it. The American Family Cost-of-Living Relief Act of 2026 changes this.

"Washington has been quietly implementing regulations for years raising the cost of groceries, rent, utilities, and healthcare without ever being held accountable for it," said Congresswoman Mace. "This bill ends it. Before any federal agency can pass a new rule, they have to show their work. If your regulation is going to cost American families more money, you have to say so publicly. And if the cost is too high, the rule dies. American families are stretched thin. Washington needs to stop making it worse."

Under the American Family Cost-of-Living Relief Act of 2026:

• Federal agencies must publish an initial household cost impact analysis alongside any proposed rule covering housing, utilities, food, healthcare, transportation, childcare, education, and more.
• After the public comment period, agencies must publish a final updated cost impact analysis.
• Any rule projected to substantially increase household costs, by $50 or more per year, is blocked from taking effect unless required by law or certified as necessary to address a national security emergency or presidentially declared disaster.
• Annual retrospective reviews will identify existing rules already driving up household costs and recommend changes to decrease household costs

"The days of Washington quietly driving up the cost of living with zero accountability are over. Washington works for the American people. This bill makes sure they never forget it," Mace added.

SEE BILL TEXT BELOW:

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