Americans are 'paying for Trump's bad decisions': Mark Kelly introduces Bill for gas tax suspension

As Operation Epic Fury continues through its second week, the ramifications of the conflict with Iran are leaving an impact on energy prices and the economy. For the first time since 2022, oil prices have surpassed $100 per barrel as Iran continues to threaten a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial chokepoint for international trade. Since the beginning of the conflict on February 28, the markets have seen massive disruptions, and now, with Iran refusing to cower down to U.S. and Israeli forces, and instead continuing missile attacks, the world's energy supply is likely to see further disruption. 

Reacting to the situation, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly has introduced a Bill to suspend the federal gas tax. "I'm sure you've seen it. Gas prices are going up fast, and the reason is this war Trump started with Iran. Americans are actually paying for Trump's bad decisions," Kelly said in a video he posted on X. "That's why I'm introducing a Bill to suspend the federal gas tax to give folks some real relief. And I'm working on getting my colleagues on board so we can get this done. I'll keep you updated." Kelly wrote that the one thing the U.S. can do immediately is to "suspend the federal gas tax and bring some relief at the pump NOW." 

Kelly's proposal aims to temporarily eliminate the 18.4-cent-per-gallon federal tax on gasoline through October 1, 2026. He is joined by Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Representative Chris Pappas (D-NH-01), who is spearheading the companion legislation in the House, Kelly’s office informed in a press release. "Trump's war of choice with Iran is driving up gas prices across the country—and Americans shouldn't have to bear the additional economic burden of Trump's reckless decision making," Senator Blumenthal said.

Congressman Pappas said that he is introducing the legislation in the House to "provide Americans with badly-needed relief from the historic increase in gas prices we have seen in just the last few days." "I am grateful to Senator Kelly for leading this critical effort in the Senate, and I remain committed to using every resource available to bring down costs and ensure that families and small businesses are not paying the price for this administration's reckless actions," Pappas added.  

The legislative push comes as a growing chorus of lawmakers amp up their criticism of the ongoing conflict that the Trump administration launched to dismantle Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities. In a post on X, Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) said that the U.S. was "spending BILLIONS on another forever war." "The money we're spending for war with Iran could help every family who needs health care and food assistance," she wrote.

Last Thursday, Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY) joined Democrat Ro Khanna (D-CA) in a bipartisan effort to curb the President's war powers through a Senate resolution. However, the War Powers Resolution failed in the House by a narrow 212-219 margin. Meanwhile, President Trump, speaking from Florida on Monday, characterized the conflict as a "tremendous success" that could be over "very soon."  "We're achieving major strides toward completing our military objective, and some people could say they're pretty well complete," Trump said during a press conference, adding, "We've wiped every single force in Iran out very completely."