The Forum

Affordability Becomes the Midterm Story: Both parties are positioning around "affordability" ahead of the 2026 midterms. The State of the Union on February 24 will offer President Trump an opportunity to refine competing narratives and more fully outline his full affordability agenda before first primaries begin March 3. Democrats will counter with their own housing and healthcare proposals. Whichever party owns the affordability story by spring shapes the legislative agenda

Trump v. Slaughter and What’s Next for Independent Agencies: The Supreme Court recently heard arguments in a case that could reshape presidential control over regulatory agencies. At issue: whether the President can remove Federal Trade Commission members at will, overturning a 90 year precedent. A ruling favoring expanded removal power could affect roughly two dozen multi-member agencies. For banks, credit unions, insurers, and others that work with these agencies, the deci