Republicans end pre-election session with no progress on cost of living

October 2, 2026 at 08:43 AM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

Republicans in Congress ended their final session before the midterm elections without advancing legislation on stock trading, energy costs, or other economic concerns. The party faces headwinds from President Trump's sagging approval ratings and voter discontent over the cost of living. GOP leaders closed their message with warnings about Democratic policies rather than touting their own achievements.

Key Facts

Republicans failed to advance a bill limiting congressional stock trading and legislation on utility costs for data centers.
The Senate spent its final two weeks debating a college sports bill with little campaign relevance.
GOP leaders focused their closing message on warnings about Democratic policies rather than their own record.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune warned that Democratic control would bring higher taxes and open borders.

Failed Legislative Push

Republicans attempted but failed to bring up a bill limiting congressional stock trading. They also sought unsuccessfully to advance legislation encouraging utilities to charge data centers for rising energy costs. These meant-to-fail votes were intended to signal to voters that Republicans were addressing cost-of-living concerns. The party emerged with no meaningful progress on issues weighing on constituents.

Election Headwinds

Republicans face stiff headwinds including economic concerns and President Trump's sagging approval ratings. Polls show voters are concerned with the economy, cost of living, the war in Iran, and government corruption. The Senate spent its final two weeks debating a college sports bill with little expected campaign resonance. Senator Jim Justice of West Virginia acknowledged voter frustration, saying, "If you can't pay the bills, you've got a real problem with us."

Closing Message

GOP leaders projected optimism that their achievements would overcome dismay over food, fuel, and consumer goods costs. Their closing message focused on dire warnings about Democratic policies rather than their own record. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said a Democratic vote would bring higher taxes, more spending, bigger government, and open borders. Thune is not on the ballot this election cycle.