Today, President Biden is calling on Congress to pass a three month federal gas tax holiday as part of his efforts to lower inflated gas prices caused by Putin’s price hike. This would save Michiganders at least 18 cents at the pump, meaning extra dollars back in the pockets of working people. The president’s efforts stand in stark contrast with Michigan Republicans who have repeatedly voted against measures that would help lower gas prices and help combat inflation. Last week, every single Michigan Republican in the U.S. House of Representatives voted against the Lower Food & Fuel Costs Act and in May they all voted against a bill that would help prevent oil and gas companies from price gouging.
“While President Biden and Michigan Democrats continue taking action to lower costs at the pump, Michigan Republicans are giving voters little more than empty rhetoric. Instead of pushing their extreme, ultra-MAGA agenda and voting against cost saving bills, Republicans should actually work with Democrats to pass solutions,” said Michigan Democratic Party Spokesperson Alyssa Bradley.
Specifically, the Lower Food & Fuel Costs Act passed by House Democrats last week would help lower costs by:
- Increasing competition in the meat and poultry industries to prevent artificially high pricing
- Making E15 fuel available year-round and encouraging production of biofuels
- Making fertilizer more accessible to farmers to help lower produce costs
- Creating a supply chain task force
These “no” votes are the latest in a long pattern of Republicans actively working against cutting costs for working Michiganders and addressing supply chain issues. In the past few months, House Republicans have also voted against bills to address the infant formula shortage, cap the cost of insulin at $35 a month, and more. Additionally, every congressional Republican voted against the American Rescue Plan, which has saved Michiganders money on everything from their health care premiums to rent or mortgage to child care costs, and more.
