Healthcare reform is one of the few issues that consistently unites Americans in frustration. Nearly half of Americans report struggling to afford healthcare. Premiums continue to rise faster than wages. Navigating insurance, whether through private employer-based plans, state public plans, or Medicare and Medicaid, can be a time-consuming and confusing process. At the same time, federal, state, and local healthcare spending is increasing rapidly and now accounts for a substantial share of government budgets.

Many Americans believe they pay far more for prescription drugs than people in other developed countries. As the 2026 midterm elections approach, proposals to reduce drug prices are high on Congress’s agenda.

In this brief, we explore how congressional language toward the opposing party has evolved. The analysis draws on DCInbox.com, a database of all official congressional e-newsletters to constituents, maintained by Everything Policy Content Lead, Dr. Lindsey Cormack.