“My wife and I were shocked when we discovered this firsthand just last week when we were buying a new lunchbox for our daughter,” said Congressman Boyle. “Other goods — pencils, pens, anything you can name — are up and through the roof. I am proud to announce that I am introducing legislation in the House to exempt school supplies from these tariff taxes. I also want to urge the Administration to act now. The White House could act today to exempt these products from their tariffs.”

According to Groundwork Collaborative and the Century Foundation, the cost of school supplies has increased by 8 percent this year. Lunchboxes have increased 27 percent, while notebooks have become 23 percent more expensive.

The Back-to-School Supplies Affordability Act directs the Secretaries of Commerce and Education to work together to create a list of tariff-free school supplies, but also specifically exempts:

• Office and school supplies

• Backpacks

• Notebooks, memorandum pads, and similar paper products

• Children’s picture, drawing, and coloring books

• Calendars

• Computer keyboards

• Hairbrushes

• Pencils, crayons, chalk, and other drawing materials

• Pens, markers, and related writing instruments

The bill preserves congressional oversight by allowing Congress to disapprove the designation of specific items for tariff exemptions through a Joint Resolution of Disapproval.

Boyle will lead the effort to pass the Back-to-School Supplies Affordability Act in the House. This legislation is led in the Senate by Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (MD). Senate cosponsors include Chris Van Hollen (MD), Chris Coons (DE), Andy Kim (NJ), Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE), Jacky Rosen (NV), and John Hickenlooper (CO).

Boyle is the Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee and serves on the Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over federal tax policy.

“Social Security is the greatest anti-poverty program in American history. But 91 years after its creation, Republicans in Washington are still trying to break Social Security’s sacred promise. After passing the largest health care cuts in our nation’s history, Speaker Johnson now says he has a ‘plan’ to cut Social Security.

I will always defend Americans’ hard-earned benefits against Republican cuts. My Medicare and Social Security Fair Share Act proves that we can protect and strengthen these programs by making millionaires and billionaires pay their fair share. It’s time to pass my bill and keep the promise of Social Security for all generations.”

Background:

Congressman Boyle has introduced the Medicare and Social Security Fair Share Act, legislation that would protect Social Security for all generations by making the nation’s highest earners contribute their fair share.

The independent actuaries at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Social Security Administration have confirmed Boyle’s legislation will extend solvency indefinitely.

To read more about Boyle’s Medicare and Social Security Fair Share Act, click here.

“This funding isn’t partisan, nor is it controversial. It represents exactly what our federal government should be doing, creating jobs and saving lives by funding critical medical research,” said Congressman Brendan Boyle (PA-02). “As the top Democrat on the House Budget Committee, I’m using my authority to demand answers.  Hardworking Philadelphia scientists are counting on this funding. So are the patients across the country, our most vulnerable, who benefit from their work.”

Boyle sent the letter in his capacity as Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee, which has jurisdiction over the budget process, including illegal impoundments or funding freezes.

In the letter, he demanded the detailed information needed to determine whether the terminations are illegal, pressed the Administration to identify the authority it claims in canceling these grants, and asked whether the cuts are politically motivated. Boyle also demanded to know whether the Trump Administration will commit to fully spending the funding Congress appropriated for AHRQ.

The full letter can be read here.

In recent weeks, AHRQ cut funding for dozens of grants nationwide, including several major programs at CHOP and Penn. AHRQ has also frozen or halted funding for other research grants, often without notice.

Congressman Dwight Evans (PA-03) said, “I stand with my colleague Congressman Boyle in demanding the Trump-Vance administration provide answers about canceling federal grants to CHOP, Penn and other important centers that do life-saving health research.”

Congressman Boyle was joined by Dr. Christopher Forrest, Professor of Pediatrics at CHOP and Scientific Director of PEDSnet; and Dr. Rachel Werner, Professor of Medicine at Penn’s Perelman School of Medicine and Research Education Core Leader at PennPORTAL. Boyle was also joined by Drs. Kit Delgado, Meeta Kerlin, and Jaya Aysola with Penn Medicine.

“Seven years ago, we started a program called PEDSnet Scholars. That program has trained 44 physicians, psychologists, and nurses who are now improving health care and improving the health and well-being of children,” said Dr. Christopher Forrest. “Our scientists have focused on conditions like kidney disease, mental health disorders like ADHD and substance use, pain, infections, high blood pressure, lung diseases like asthma and cystic fibrosis. Without this funding, this program is going to be terminated, and I thank Congressman Boyle for his leadership.”

“Along with a number of my colleagues here today, and with the AHRQ’s support, we built a program called PORTAL, which trains clinicians to become leaders in building a healthcare system that provides better care for patients,” said Dr. Rachel Werner. “What specifically do we lose from these terminations? First, they mean fewer discoveries that can make healthcare safer and more effective. Second, they mean the immediate loss of jobs. And third, they mean losing the next generation of scientists.”

“For 61 years, Medicare and Medicaid have ensured that millions of Americans can live with dignity and get the medical care they need. Today, these bedrock programs are under attack like never before.

President Trump has been clear about his plans to cut these programs, saying we can’t afford Medicare and Medicaid because we’re ‘fighting wars.’ Millions of Americans have already lost Medicaid coverage under Trump, and millions more stand to lose their health care thanks to Republicans in Washington.

I won’t rest until we stop Trump’s cuts and defend health care for every American.”

Background:

• As Ranking Member of the Budget Committee, Boyle has led the fight against the devastating impacts of Trump’s health care cuts. He is the author of the Protecting Americans’ Health Care Act, legislation to fully reverse the largest cut to Medicaid in American history.

• Boyle previously filed a discharge petition to stop Trump’s cuts to Medicaid in the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill.” Boyle has also introduced a resolution urging the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to work with states to issue much-needed guidance on the impending Medicaid cuts.

• Congressman Boyle has also introduced the Medicare and Social Security Fair Share Act, legislation that would protect Medicare for all generations by making the nation’s highest earners contribute their fair share.

For more information on the impacts of Trump’s health care cuts and his cost-of-living crisis in congressional districts across the United States, visit democrats-budget.house.gov/costofliving.

It’s a great honor to represent my hometown, Philadelphia, which includes Independence Hall and the sacred spaces where our nation was founded. 250 years to the day that our founders voted for independence from Great Britain, I brought Congress, Democrats and Republicans alike, back to Independence Hall.

It was awe-inspiring to stand in the same room where exactly 250 years ago our nation’s founders changed the course of history. As I told my colleagues, what has made this the greatest country on earth is that Americans have never stopped fighting to live up to our ideals. The promise of America has been fought for by generations of men and women who fought to make that promise of liberty and equality real for every American.

No matter how you spent the Fourth of July, it’s my sincere hope that every American is inspired by the example of those who came before us, that we can overcome our differences, and that we work together to help make our nation a more perfect union. I know that I won’t stop fighting.

“Donald Trump came back to Pennsylvania today to do what he does best: lie through his teeth. Two years ago, he promised Pennsylvanians he would lower costs ‘on day one.’ Today, he is back in my home state desperately trying to sell one of the most unpopular economies in history.

Pennsylvanians see right through his spin. The reality is, Donald Trump’s reckless war in Iran and tariff taxes are driving prices through the roof. Families across our Commonwealth know better than to believe his nonsense.”

For more information on the Trump-Republican cost-of-living crisis in congressional districts across the United States, visit democrats-budget.house.gov/costofliving.

“Just a block away from where our nation was founded, Donald Trump is choosing the path of tyrants who rewrite history instead of learning from it. As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, we must tell the full truth of our nation’s history — the good and the bad. Today’s ruling underscores the need for Congress to pass my Protecting American History Act to permanently block Trump from removing these exhibits. This fight is not over — and I will not rest until we stop this censorship and live up to America’s founding ideals.”

Background:

• In February, Boyle joined community leaders at Independence National Historical Park (INHP) to announce the Protecting American History Act, which requires the National Park Service to restore INHP exactly as it existed on January 21, 2026.

• Following Trump’s attempt to censor these exhibits, Boyle led Philadelphia’s House delegation to send a letter opposing the removal and demanding answers from Administration officials.

“I am leading my fellow elected officials, civic leaders, and members of organized labor in demanding that the US Postal Service publicly commit to one of two things,” said Congressman Boyle. “First, either find a way to keep this post office open, or second, publicly commit to relocating the post office to a new location that remains within the Fishtown neighborhood.”

Congressman Boyle continued: “To this end, I am sending a letter to US Postmaster General David Steiner making these same demands in writing and demanding answers to questions that my constituents and I have about this facility and what comes next. I’m also announcing that I will be introducing the Protecting Neighborhood Postal Access Act. This bill would require the Postal Service to make a good faith effort to find a replacement location within the same ZIP code.”

“I want to thank Congressman Boyle, who stepped right in and was willing to fight with the community to make sure that we have the resources we need,” said City Councilman Mark Squilla. “Today we stand together, unified, with our state, local, and federal officials to support this cause to make sure this community is taken care of and has a post office.”

“This is the people’s post office. This is everybody’s post office, and it is a problem if you have to go 15 or 20 minutes away. On behalf of the American Postal Workers Union, being with our brothers and sisters from the National Association of Letter Carriers, I want to publicly thank Congressman Boyle for taking the bull by the horns and submitting this bill,” said Vince Tarducci, Eastern Region Coordinator, American Postal Workers Union.

The Frankford Avenue Post Office has served Fishtown and Kensington for more than 60 years, but is expected to close because the building is being sold and USPS’s lease ends next year. USPS has not publicly committed to opening a replacement location in Fishtown or the 19125 ZIP code.

Boyle called on USPS to either keep the current facility open or publicly commit to a replacement location in the neighborhood. He also announced the Protecting Neighborhood Postal Access Act, legislation requiring USPS to provide earlier notice, develop a 120-day service continuity plan, and make a good-faith effort to find a replacement site in the same ZIP code before closing or suspending service at a leased facility.

Boyle was joined by Philadelphia City Councilman Mark Squilla, American Postal Workers Union Eastern Region Coordinator Vince Tarducci, leaders from Letter Carriers Local 157, leaders from the Pennsylvania State Association of Letter Carriers, and leaders of the Fishtown Neighbors Association.

Boyle also announced he would be sending a letter to U.S. Postmaster General David Steiner demanding answers about the future of the Frankford Avenue Post Office and calling on USPS to publicly commit to preserving postal access in Fishtown.

During today’s Ways and Means Committee hearing, Secretary Bessent refused to defend comments by National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett, who recently suggested that Americans spending more on everyday necessities is a sign of economic “optimism.” Boyle argued that families are spending more because prices are higher—not because they are feeling more optimistic about the economy.

Boyle also pointed to recent polling and consumer confidence data showing widespread dissatisfaction with the administration’s handling of the economy. He noted that President Trump repeatedly promised to lower costs “on day one.” Now, 500 days into the administration, Americans are still paying more for groceries, gas, housing, and health care.

A transcript of key exchanges can be found below. Congressman Boyle’s full questioning can be found in the video below.

Key Exchanges from Congressman Boyle’s Questioning:

Boyle: I can settle how the American people are feeling about this economy because  I have the data on it from Fox News just the other week, on the president and this administration’s handling of the economy: 71 percent of the American people disapprove, including 40 percent of Republicans. On the president’s handling of inflation, 72 percent disapprove. They disapprove, in fact, by a three-to-one margin over approval. So, do you agree with the American people, or are they just wrong?

Bessent: Look, the American people were torched under the Biden administration.

Boyle: Oh my God, I wish I had a dollar for every time you or someone on the Republican side brought up Biden’s name. If I did, I might have as much money as you have, Mr. Secretary.

…

Boyle: President Trump, in my home state, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and throughout the country, especially those seven big battleground states, he promised the American people, and I quote, “I will lower costs on day one.”

Well, Mr. Secretary, as it turns out, today is exactly day 500 of this administration, and costs aren’t any lower. They are higher than ever before. Inflation is rising. Gas prices are surging. Consumer confidence, again, has collapsed, and health care costs are going up thanks to the bill that you helped pass over a year ago. Why won’t you just admit that this has been a failed presidency? Because the first step to turning this around would be admitting the problem.

Bessent: The 2.6 percent GDP growth, exceptional job growth in the private... The, that’s the average since President Trump came into office. Real wage increases every month except for April.

Boyle:  Once again, inflation is eating away at the pocketbooks of the American people.

[Crosstalk]

Boyle:  When I was back home in northeast Philly a couple days ago and at a gas station, people were paying over $4.50 a gallon. They were feeling a lot of things, a lot of emotions. I guarantee you, optimism wasn’t one of them.

“What we see right here is really a great physical manifestation of what happens when you have vision and execution,” said Congressman Boyle. “I am very excited about the work that has been done to achieve what you see behind me, this beautiful rail park. So, to support the next phase of this rail park, I am proud to have secured $2 million from our federal government to go right here to the Rail Park in Philadelphia.”

The expanded park will improve access to schools, health care, and local businesses, while reconnecting neighborhoods divided by the old, crumbling railway. This $2 million in new Community Project Funding builds on an additional $2 million previously secured by Congressman Boyle through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Once completed, phase two will transform 6.8 acres of brownfields spanning over half a mile into an elevated park.

Congressman Boyle was joined at today’s event by Paul Levy, Center City District Board Chair, and Prema Gupta, Center City District President & CEO. They were also joined by leaders from local Registered Community Organizations (RCOs) representing communities near the Rail Park.

“Congressman, on behalf of all the community groups that will benefit from this, thank you very much for your support,” said Center City District Board Chair Paul Levy. “It’s a huge first step in what will be a seven-tenths-of-a-mile park that will extend from Fairmount Avenue all the way down to Vine Street. And any day now, we’re expecting to execute an agreement with the federal government for another $2 million Reconnecting Communities grant that the Congressman also helped us get.”

Additional renderings of the Rail Park’s second phase are available in high resolution here.