Washington, D.C. — The Center for American Progress will host a live policy debate on the competing strategies for lowering everyday costs for Americans. The event will bring together leading economic thinkers who will discuss questions such as whether price caps, when paired with supply expansions, could address the affordability challenges that households are facing or whether they could have overwhelming negative unintended consequences.
Americans are struggling with the cost of living, including for basic needs such as housing, groceries, utilities, child care, and health care. Policymakers are considering proposals that could quickly lower household expenses such as tax credits and subsidies, leveraging government purchasing power, or capping the prices of specific goods or services. At the same time, economists recognize that addressing underlying supply shortages must also be part of the affordability solution.
This timely discussion will feature a structured debate exploring the economic tensions between immediate consumer relief and solutions that expand supply and stabilize prices over the long term.
WHO:
Introductory Remarks:
Neera Tanden, President and CEO, Center for American Progress
Debate Participants:
Bharat Ramamurti, Former Deputy Director, National Economic Council
Neale Mahoney, Trione Director of the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research, Stanford University
Ben Harris, Vice President and Director of Economics Studies, Brookings Institution
Tara Sinclair, Professor of Economics and International Affairs, George Washington University
Moderator:
Jared Bernstein, Senior Fellow, Center for American Progress
WHEN:
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ET
WHERE:
Center for American Progress
1333 H Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20005
and online via Zoom
RSVP:
RSVP at the following link.
For more information or to speak with an expert, contact Christian Unkenholz at [email protected].