House Democrats used the second day of their 2026 Issues Conference Thursday to focus on the cost of caregiving, framing it as a central piece of their affordability agenda heading into the 2026 midterm elections.

Child care, elderly care, and disability care were among the topics discussed as lawmakers worked to define their platform around issues they say affect most Americans. “This issue will be a defining one in the 2026 elections,” said Rep. Katherine Clark, D-MA.

Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-MI, said caregiving is foundational to broader economic participation. “Caregiving makes all other work possible,” she said.

Thursday, House Democrats, including those in the Women’s Caucus, argued that care costs are unattainable for many families and disproportionately force women out of the workforce, which they described as a drag on the broader economy.

Rep. Sara Jacobs, D-CA, said the party intends to pursue significant policy changes. “It’s not going to be enough to go back to the way things were. We are going to be big and bold and we are going to have real solutions that solve this problem,” she said.

The conference included a series of discussions and panels aimed at finalizing the party’s midterm agenda. Democrats said the plan would be implemented if they regain the House majority, but pledged to continue advancing it even in the minority.

“We are unified, we are focused, and we are legislatively extremely successful at advancing our agenda despite being in the minority,” said Rep. Lauren Underwood, D-IL.

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Original article HERE.