A new survey conducted by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research reveals that the American public has clear expectations for the next session of Congress. According to the data, approximately 80 percent of the 1,119 respondents identified the reduction of the cost of living as a top-tier priority for lawmakers. This emphasis on economic relief suggests that inflation and household expenses remain the most pressing concerns for voters across the political spectrum.

In addition to economic issues, the survey highlights foreign policy as a significant area of interest, specifically regarding Iran. A majority of those polled expressed a desire for Congress to focus on winding down military involvement or tensions related to Iran. While the survey provides a snapshot of public sentiment, it underscores a disconnect between the legislative agenda often pursued in Washington and the immediate financial and geopolitical concerns of the average voter. The poll serves as a barometer for the incoming Congress, signaling that voters are looking for tangible results on both domestic pricing and international military commitments.