Press Releases

Binghamton, NY – As Upstate New Yorkers head to the grocery store for the most expensive Fourth of July in history, U.S. Reps. Marc Molinaro (R-NY-19) and Pat Ryan (D-NY-18) today introduced the Lower Grocery Prices Act. The bill is also supported by U.S. Reps. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-6) and Don Davis (D-NC-1). 

In 2021, the American Farm Bureau Federation found that the average cost of a Fourth of July cookout for ten people was $59.50. This year’s report found that the same cookout will cost $71.22, a nearly 20% increase in just three years. 

Rep. Molinaro's bill addresses skyrocketing grocery prices by requiring the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) to analyze the price of groceries over the last 20 years and provide effective solutions on how to lower costs. Putting a national plan in place will combat the high prices and ease the affordability crisis.  

Rep. Molinaro said, "As Upstate New Yorkers are stocking up on groceries for July 4th, it's hard to ignore the skyrocketing prices. We shop at Sam’s Club or Hannaford every week and know we are all paying too much for too little. We're in an affordability crisis and Upstate New York families are struggling to survive. I'm fighting to bring costs down."

Rep. Ryan said, "“Hudson Valley families are spending way too much of their hard-earned income just to put food on the table — we can’t allow this to continue. Ahead of July 4th, as we all gather for barbecues, beers, and parades, I’m taking direct action to bring down costs and deliver relief. I’m proud to join my Hudson Valley neighbor Congressman Molinaro in leading this legislation, and I’ll use every tool at my disposal to get inflation in check. Whether it's taking on price gougers, or fighting back against corporate monopolies, I’ll keep pushing relentlessly to ease the burden on Hudson Valley families."