WASHINGTON, D.C. – The general elections are just a few months away, and experts have told us the economy is always the top issue for voters. Republicans in congress and the President have touted their tax cuts legislation but Democrats are arguing this war with Iran will make things more costly here at home.
“Talking to my constituents in Michigan and its certainly evident with numerous polls that have come out recently, President Trump has decided to start a war that Americans clearly do not want,” said Sen. Gary Peters (D- MI).
Most congressional Democrats are making it clear on where they stand on President Donald Trump’s military operations in Iran:
“Our Constitution is very clear it’s Congress not the President has the power to declare war,” said Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D- NY). “By refusing to seek congressional approval for these strikes, he is illegally risking American lives for an unauthorized war with no end in sight.”
Some congressional Democrats say these operations are endangering American troops, jeopardizing national security and it raises costs for families across America.
“What I hear from Michiganders is lower prices and safer streets, they want more attention to their challenges here at home,” said Sen. Peters.
“I hear from New Yorkers everyday they want the President to lower costs not dropping bombs around the world,” said Sen. Gillibrand.
On Thursday, AAA said “The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline jumped nearly 27 cents since last week to $3.25. The conflict in the Middle East has sent crude oil prices higher to the mid $70/barrel range. The recent increase puts the national average at the same price as it was in early April of 2025. Springtime typically sees higher gas prices as gasoline demand rises and summer-blend gasoline production begins. The last time the national average made a similar weekly jump was back in March of 2022 during the start of the Russian/Ukraine conflict.”
The President made the economy one of the big talking points in his recent State of the Union address, which was just days prior to the strikes on Iran. Republicans on the Hill have touted legislation they passed they say will give people bigger tax cuts and put more money in people’s wallets. But Democrats are warning not only the human cost of war, but a prolonged war, too.
“The President should be focused on lowering costs instead of mission creep abroad,” said Sen. Chuck Schumer (D- NY) Minority Leader. “We need cost relief here at home.”
