Democratic control of Congress starting in January is being framed as good news for people squeezed by high gas prices and tariffs, though Hawaii lawmakers warn real change will take time.

• Hawaii's Democratic delegation says lowering costs is the top priority, especially gas, diesel, and fertilizer prices, plus tariff costs hitting small businesses.
• Ending the Iran conflict is tied directly to affordability, since the fighting is blamed for keeping gas prices high by disrupting oil shipping routes.
• Lawmakers want more federal funding restored for Native Hawaiian housing, education, and healthcare after cuts during the Trump administration.
• Hawaii Democrats hope control of Congress will force more compromise from Republicans and the president, pointing to nearly a thousand pending lawsuits against Trump's executive actions.

Outlook: Hawaii Democrats say changes will roll out gradually starting in January, with the pace depending heavily on cooperation from Republicans and the White House.