House progressives unveil 2025 agenda
The Congressional Progressive Caucus will continue to focus on increasing minimum wage and lowering the cost of living for Americans after November’s election, according to its agenda for 2025.
Progressives unveiled an agenda on Thursday that highlights “proactive, top-priority policies that lift up poor and working people.” Their priorities focus on raising wages and lowering costs, addressing climate change and protecting Americans’ rights and freedoms.
“Progressives are proud to have been part of the most significant Democratic legislative accomplishments of this century. We have made real progress for everyday Americans — but there’s much more work to be done,” said Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.
“That’s why the Progressive Caucus has identified these popular, populist, and possible solutions,” she added.
The agenda carries a heavy focus on workers’ rights and wages and lowering the cost of living for Americans — initiatives that were already a focal point for the caucus. The caucus said it will push for major investments to address the housing crisis, expand social security and provide public banking services for everyone.
Progressives are also calling for an end to gender pay discrimination, more protections on striking workers and strengthening laws on “abusive employers.” Some of the other priorities outlined in the agenda include codifying the right to abortion and reproductive care, legalizing marijuana and abolishing the federal death penalty.
Nearly 30 advocacy organizations and labor unions endorsed the agenda, including the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Sierra Club, Social Security Works and the Sunrise Movement, according to the caucus.
"The Congressional Progressive Caucus is leading the way for Congress to address the major issues affecting working families, from reducing health care and housing costs to strengthening workers' rights to join unions, earn living wages and benefits, and have safe workplaces,” Mary Kay Henry, president of the SEIU, said in a statement.