NEW REPORT: Despite Rep. Nunn Saying Costs are Lower, Iowans Spent Over $1,300 More Because of Inflation

GOP tariffs and tax cuts for billionaires raise costs for Iowans 

Representative Zach Nunn recently said that the Republican Congress has lowered costs for families, a far cry from the reality shown in the Joint Economic Committee (JEC) Minority’s newly released report.

The report reveals that on average, Iowa families paid $1,303 more in 2025 due to inflation, averaging out to $1,625 nationally.

The report directly contradicts Republicans' repeated claims that this administration would “end inflation”. Representative Zach Nunn’s recent comments suggest Iowans are better off, stating: “First and foremost, we’ve been able to cut costs for every Iowa family.” When in truth, the analysis shows that inflation continues to squeeze household budgets, especially because of Congressional Republican’s tariffs and trade-war policies that raise the cost of everyday goods for American families.

The JEC Minority report found that the average Iowan household spent $1,303 more in 2025 across essential costs, including $159 extra in housing and $114 extra in transportation. The report also includes national findings, showing that on average, Americans saw housing increase by $323, and transportation by $241. 

“Inflation and tariffs are chipping away at our budgets, adding another layer of stress,” said Nikki Gomez, an Iowa mom. “When groceries, gas, and basic household items cost more, you feel it immediately. Tariffs might be something politicians argue about, but for families like mine, they just quietly make everything a little harder to manage.”

Tariffs are a tax on working families, and the impact is being felt most in rural states like Iowa where households already face high costs for essentials like food, fuel, and farm supplies. Rather than easing the burden, Congressional Republican’s tariffs are driving prices higher, and Representatives Nunn and Mariannette Miller-Meeks have followed in-step.

“This report confirms what Iowans already know: prices are not falling, and families are feeling the impact every time they go to the grocery store, fill up their tank, or pay rent,” said Mazie Stilwell, Executive Director, Progress Iowa. “Nunn likes to say that they’ve lowered prices, but the truth is he has delivered higher costs for everyday necessities while protecting big corporations and billionaires.”

The report’s findings are a warning sign for Iowa families, who are still struggling with higher prices and stagnant wages after years of economic pressure — and now face even more costs because of Trump’s tariffs.