Grocery Bills

The rising cost of groceries, particularly staples like eggs and beef, is a significant concern for American families. Attributing these price increases solely to either the Trump or Biden administrations oversimplifies a complex issue. Factors such as global supply chain disruptions, inflationary pressures, and specific market dynamics all contribute to the current situation.

During the Biden administration, policies implemented to address the COVID-19 pandemic, while based on scientific recommendations, had economic consequences that contributed to inflationary pressures. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates a substantial increase in the Consumer Price Index for food during this period. Similarly, specific market factors, such as the H5N1 avian influenza outbreak, have directly impacted egg production and prices.

Moving forward, it is imperative that we address the root causes of these rising costs. I will prioritize the following actions:

 * Investigate and Combat Anti-Competitive Practices: The Federal Trade Commission will be directed to conduct a thorough investigation into potential price-fixing and monopolistic practices within the food industry. We will pursue legal action against any entities found to be engaging in anti-competitive behavior.

 * Reduce Trade Barriers: We will work to reduce tariffs and other trade barriers that increase the cost of imported food products, thereby providing relief to consumers. A comprehensive review of existing trade policies will be conducted to identify and eliminate unnecessary burdens.

 * Strengthen Supply Chain Resilience: We will collaborate with the Department of Transportation and relevant stakeholders to improve the efficiency and resilience of our food supply chain. This includes addressing bottlenecks in transportation, improving infrastructure, and promoting diversification of supply sources.

 * Data-Driven Monitoring and Response: We will establish a system for real-time monitoring of food prices and market conditions, using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and other reliable sources. This will allow us to identify emerging issues and implement timely interventions.

 * Agency Oversight: It is important to ensure that agencies such as the CDC and HHS are properly funded to prevent issues with the food supply. While fiscal responsibility is important, these agencies are vital for the health of the nation, and for the security of our food supply. Therefore, funding must be appropriate and not cut to dangerous levels.

 * Address Inflation: Working with the Federal Reserve, and implementing responsible fiscal policies, we must work to address the underlying causes of inflation.

We must ensure that American families have access to affordable and nutritious food. By addressing the root causes of rising grocery prices and implementing targeted policies, we can mitigate the impact on consumers and promote a more stable and resilient food system.