04/29/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/29/2026 16:36
Washington, D.C. - Today, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) spoke on the Senate floor about Trump and Republicans' reckless and costly war in Iran, which has caused the price of gas to skyrocket and hurt American families. Below are Senator Schumer's remarks, which can also be viewed here:
Just hours ago, Pentagon officials told Congress that President Trump's disastrous war has cost taxpayers $25 billion dollars.
Can you believe it? At least $25 billion dollars, and we're less than two months into this war.
$25 billion is just the sticker price. Americans are also paying for this war at the pump.
This morning, average gas prices in America hit $4.23 a gallon - that's a record high since the start of the war.
Let me repeat: U.S. gas prices at the highest level since beginning of war in Iran. It's now $4.23 gas - up 40% since President Trump started his costly war with Iran.
The price of gas is the highest it's been in four years, and there is only one person to blame: Donald J. Trump.
Trump says he's bleeding Iran economically, but he's draining the pockets of American families.
And for what? The Strait of Hormuz is still closed, the Iranian regime is still radical, and our servicemembers are still in harm's way.
Trump still has no idea how to end this blunder. Instead, we hear reports that Trump is telling his aides to prepare for a protracted blockade.
This morning, Trump warned that Iran "better get smart soon."
Well, it's Donald Trump who better get smart soon and end this war, unless he wants Americans to continue paying $4.23 at the pump.
This week, Democrats will force a vote on our War Powers Resolution for the sixth time. We will continue to force votes every week as this war rages on. I urge my Republican friends, you can help bail Donald Trump out of his mess. Vote with us to end this war, or you, Republican senators, will continue to face the outrage of the American people.
This Friday will mark 60 days since Trump officially notified Congress that he had launched this reckless war. Under the War Powers Act, Trump must seek authorization for his war to continue beyond 60 days. After that deadline, Republicans will have no place to hide - no more hollow excuses to let this fighting continue.
Republicans know Trump's handling of this war has been a disaster. They see how much the American people are hurting right now.
How many War Powers Resolutions do Democrats need to put forward before Senate Republicans do what's right?
How many Americans have to go bankrupt, how many days do our servicemembers have to spend apart from their families, and how many people have to die before Trump realizes that this war must end?
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