Influential members of the Democratic caucus are asking the party’s top House official to fast-track legislation on permitting before the current session concludes. Rep. Nikki Biwas, the incoming chair of the New Democrats, and Rep. Scott Peters said that prioritizing the reforms during the congressional lame duck period would signal to voters that the party is acting immediately to lower costs.

The push for legislative action comes as Hakeem Jeffries officially entered the race for Speaker of the House via a letter to his colleagues on Wednesday. Jeffries is widely considered the frontrunner for the post, with the Democratic caucus scheduled to hold leadership elections from Nov 18 to Nov 19 before a final floor vote on Jan 3. While his victory would make him the first Black speaker in U.S. history, his bid has drawn criticism from activists, including actor Mark Ruffalo, who is petitioning Democrats to choose another candidate over Jeffries due to his support for U.S. military aid to Israel.