Lawmakers Flee Capitol as Surging Fuel Costs Threaten Midterms
Explore how surging gas prices and the Iran war are impacting lawmakers from both parties as they leave Washington to campaign for midterm elections.
POLICY WIRE — Washington, D.C. — As President Donald Trump maintains that spiking fuel costs are a minor expense tied to his administration’s conflict in Iran, lawmakers from both sides of the political aisle are warning that the financial squeeze could transform into a major political liability during the upcoming midterm elections.
Capitol Hill legislators shared their recent experiences at the pump this week just as House Speaker Mike Johnson dismissed the House of Representatives early to allow members to campaign. Lawmakers reported significant increases in what it costs to fill their vehicles, regardless of what type of automobile they drive.
Rep. Aaron Bean (R-Fla.) remarked that the financial burden has become heavy lately. According to AAA figures from Thursday, the average cost for a gallon of gas in Florida stood at $4.30, sitting slightly below the nationwide average of just over $4.40.
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), who drives a Jeep Wagoneer SUV, noted that filling her tank reached nearly $100. Mace, whose upcoming departure from Congress follows an unsuccessful gubernatorial bid, warned her colleagues that the cost of living remains the primary concern for voters and accused both parties of misleading the electorate.
Mace also dismissed a proposal from Trump promising a $5,000 check to every American adult citizen if Republicans maintain their legislative majority. On the Democratic side, Rep. Maxine Dexter of Oregon reported paying considerably more than earlier in the year, stating that fueling her gas-electric hybrid Prius recently cost about $45.
Fuel prices have escalated sharply since the United States launched its war in Iran in late February. The Iranian regime subsequently closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane carrying roughly one-fifth of the global oil supply, while concurrent fighting between Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen and Saudi Arabia further drove up petroleum costs.
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Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) stated that his last fill-up totaled $69. While Norman noted he does not blame the president for the ongoing war, he emphasized that the administration needs to provide clearer explanations to the American public.
Other Republican members chose not to address the issue directly. Rep. Nick LaLota of Long Island and Rep. Andrew Clyde of Georgia, a member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, both bypassed questions regarding fuel expenses.
President Trump offered a blunt perspective during a speech in North Carolina on Wednesday, telling attendees that slightly higher expenses are a very inexpensive price to pay for what has been accomplished. House Speaker Johnson adopted a different tone during a Tuesday press conference, conceding that current gas and diesel prices remain too high. AAA data from Thursday placed the national average for diesel at $6.40.
Democratic lawmakers offered sharply critical evaluations of the administration’s stance. Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) stated that filling his tank required a credit card rather than cash, arguing that Trump remains disconnected from everyday economic realities and suggesting the president consult his limousine driver.
Rep. Chris DeLuzio (D-Penn.), representing western Pennsylvania voters in areas where Trump holds strong support, noted that regional averages in Beaver and Allegheny counties have climbed to approximately $4.60 per gallon.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
