House Republicans confront Iran war and gas prices as they struggle to push economic agenda [View all]
Source: CNN Politics
PUBLISHED Mar 11, 2026, 6:00 AM ET
DORAL, Florida - Speaker Mike Johnson and his leadership team have been struggling to find consensus behind an election-year agenda to address Americans chief concerns over affordability and their cost-of-living. But now they have a new problem: Rising gas prices. After hammering Democrats relentlessly over $5-per-gallon gasoline, a threshold that was crossed when Joe Biden was president, Republicans are confronting a similar dilemma in the wake of President Donald Trumps decision to wage war against Iran.
Gas prices are threatening to spike indefinitely with the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint where roughly 20% of crude oil shipments pass through, virtually shut down as a result of the conflict. Republicans are left with this message: Just hope that the war ends soon and crude oil prices settle in time for November. Temporary blip, Johnson asserted. Snapshot in time, said Rep. Lisa McClain, the No. 4 House Republican. Short-term volatility, said Rep. Nicole Malliotakis of New York.
Others like Rep. Mark Alford of Missouri said Republicans need to convince voters to stomach the pain. I think its our job to help bring people along to them and explain whats at stake, Alford said. Im willing to pay 30% or 30 cents more at the pump to make sure that Iran does not have a nuclear weapon thats going to hit the United States.
Its not what the GOP thought theyd be discussing weeks ago, as they hashed out their agenda for their three-day retreat here at Trumps golf resort in Doral. But as Iran is now dominating their focus, theyre running short on time and votes to execute their agenda.
Read more: https://www.cnn.com/2026/03/11/politics/republicans-gas-prices-iran-war-trump
Im willing to pay 30% or 30 cents more at the pump to make sure that Iran does not have a nuclear weapon thats going to hit the United States.
Um no. The GOP AND the collusive media, simply BLASTED Biden 24/7, laughing along as miscreants pasted "I did that!" stickers all over pumps nationwide.
Make them feel the heat.