Affordability is a structural problem that monetary policy can’t fix

The Hill
by Alexander William Salter, opinion contributor
February 21, 2026
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Affordability is a structural problem that monetary policy can’t fix
The affordability crisis, particularly in housing, healthcare, and education, is fundamentally a structural issue that cannot be addressed by monetary policy alone. Critics argue that the Federal Reserve's decisions on interest rates and money supply do not directly impact these sectors' underlying challenges, such as rising costs and limited access. This perspective highlights the need for targeted policies and systemic reforms rather than relying solely on economic tools to tackle these pressing issues. For instance, housing affordability is often tied to factors like construction
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Originally published on The Hill on 2/21/2026