Sen. Mark Kelly Calls for Gas Tax Relief Amid Rising Prices

Kelly questions how the Iran war benefits Americans struggling with higher living costs

Mar. 16, 2026 at 4:38am

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Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) raised concerns about the economic impact of the Iran war and its effect on energy prices, arguing that Americans are facing higher living costs while the administration has yet to clearly outline its strategic objectives. Kelly said he introduced legislation to temporarily suspend the federal gas tax to help lower prices at the pump, though he acknowledged the measure alone may not fully offset rising costs.

Why it matters

The ongoing conflict with Iran has disrupted global oil markets, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, driving up gas prices and adding to the financial strain on American households already grappling with higher costs for rent, groceries, and other essentials. Kelly's criticism of the administration's lack of a clear strategic goal for the war highlights growing political tensions over the economic impact of the conflict.

The details

In a post on X, the social media platform, Kelly questioned how the conflict with Iran benefits Americans already struggling with everyday expenses. "I don't see how this war helps Americans afford rent, groceries, health care, or gas," he wrote, adding, "What I do see is spiking gas prices." During an interview, Kelly said the administration has not clearly articulated its strategic goals for the conflict, and he pointed to the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, noting that about 20% of the world's oil supply typically moves through the narrow waterway.

  • The national average gas price has reached $3.41 per gallon, a 14% increase in just one week.

The players

Mark Kelly

A Democratic senator from Arizona who has raised concerns about the economic impact of the Iran war and called for gas tax relief to help lower prices at the pump.

Donald Trump

The former president who downplayed the surge in gas prices, telling that prices would drop after the conflict ends and saying geopolitical concerns are more important than short-term increases in gasoline costs.

Elizabeth Warren

A Democratic senator from Massachusetts who condemned support for Big Oil profits and said the government should tax windfall oil profits from the war against Iran and give relief to American families instead.

Jack Reed

A Democratic senator from Rhode Island who said the administration is out of touch with working Americans facing higher energy, health care, and grocery costs, along with tariffs.

Chuck Schumer

The Senate Minority Leader from New York who said Republicans' claim that rising gas prices are "a small price to pay" ignores the reality that Americans must now choose between fueling their cars and putting food on the table.

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What they’re saying

“I don't see how this war helps Americans afford rent, groceries, health care, or gas. What I do see is spiking gas prices.”

— Mark Kelly, U.S. Senator (X)

“We should tax windfall oil profits from Trump's war against Iran and give relief to American families instead.”

— Elizabeth Warren, U.S. Senator (Benzinga)

“Republicans' claim that rising gas prices are 'a small price to pay' ignores the reality that Americans must now choose between fueling their cars and putting food on the table.”

— Chuck Schumer, Senate Minority Leader (Benzinga)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.