U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged Americans are struggling with everyday costs during a Nov. 13 address to the Federalist Society in Washington. He argued that economic health should be measured by whether people can afford what they need, rather than by the stock market alone, according to the Associated Press and the State Department’s published remarks.

Rubio puts affordability at the center of his economic remarks

Rubio said leaders should recognize the financial strain many people face. In the official transcript, he described markets as tools meant to serve people and argued that economic policy should account for workers and communities affected when jobs move overseas. Those comments were part of a broader discussion of national priorities, not a detailed policy announcement.

The Associated Press reported that Rubio also contrasted household purchasing power with stock-market performance, saying the practical test is whether people have enough money for necessary expenses. The framing gives his remarks a domestic focus even though his prepared address centered largely on the conservative movement, the courts and institutions.

The remarks follow a difficult midterm result for Republicans

Rubio spoke days after Republicans suffered major losses in the midterm elections. The AP reported that economic pain was among the issues voters cited. His comments acknowledged that concern, but he did not announce a new affordability plan or provide specific measures in the address.

The speech was delivered at the Federalist Society’s National Lawyers Convention in Washington on Friday, Nov. 13. The event recording is available through the U.S. Department of State’s public video archive. Readers can find more government coverage in The Globuzz Politics section.

Sources: Associated Press: Rubio acknowledges Americans’ economic struggles; U.S. Department of State recording of Rubio’s Nov. 13 address; State Department remarks transcript (reposted by Forth News).