Freshman Lawmakers Prioritize Cost of Living and Oversight in Washington

Newly elected House members arrived in Washington on Sunday for orientation.

Lawmakers from both parties said they intend to lower the cost of living for Americans. The recent election shifted control of the House to the Democrats.

Several Democratic representatives-elect told CBS News that affordability is their top priority. They also plan to hold the Trump administration accountable.

Scott Wiener, the Democratic Rep.-elect for California's 11th Congressional District, said his office can handle multiple tasks. "We can walk and chew gum, but lowering people's cost of living is the most important," he stated.

Republicans found themselves in the minority despite efforts to redraw congressional districts. Chris Stigall, the GOP Rep.-elect for Missouri's 6th Congressional District, said the party must find a path forward.

"There was a message sent last Tuesday night, and I hope, as a new member, I can be on the ground level of figuring out how we can reconnect and better message to the needs of the American people," Stigall said on Sunday.

Adrian Boafo, the Democratic Rep.-elect for Maryland's 5th Congressional District, focused on federal workers. He noted that 85,000 federal workers are in his district. Another 30,000 across the state have been laid off.

"Federal workers is probably the number one, two and three priority for me," Boafo said. He added that the caucus needs to determine the shape of its affordability agenda.

Luke Bronin, the Democrat representing Connecticut's 1st Congressional District, urged his party to act boldly. He cited healthcare, housing, and electricity prices as key areas.

"I think as a Democratic Party, we have to bring a whole new energy to this fight," Bronin told CBS News. He described the current visibility of corruption as unlike anything in history.

Charlie Hatcher, the GOP Rep.-elect for Tennessee's 5th Congressional District, identified diesel prices as a primary concern. He defeated Ogles in the primary after Ogles made controversial comments about Muslims.

"Price of diesel fuel is affecting most everybody, especially farmers. And I'm a farmer, and that's one of my top issues as well," Hatcher said. He linked diesel costs to transportation, logistics, and grocery prices.