The Census Bureau reported that Americans' real median household income rose 2.6% to $87,460 in 2025 and the poverty rate fell to 10.2%, data celebrated by Treasury Secretary Bessent as the Federal Reserve considers whether to raise interest rates. Democrats criticized the economic data during a hearing, citing high gas prices and mortgage rates above 7%, while the administration's tax law is expected to reduce food stamp eligibility by $211 billion through 2035.