Democrats are ready to reverse reckless GOP energy agenda and lower costs

Americans are paying a price (literally) for President Trump and Republicans’ broken promise to address affordability. Inflation is skyrocketing, all because Republicans would rather blindly follow Trump than keep their promise to lower costs. Nationwide gas price averages have reached $4.00 a gallon, while in states like Arizona, Alaska and Nevada, residents are paying more than $4.50 for a single gallon of gas. Republicans have no plans to lower gas prices — instead Trump said unaffordable gas prices are a “very small price to pay for the U.S.“ Rising fuel costs are just one proof point that Republicans’ disastrous energy agenda is making life more unaffordable for working families across the country. Last July, Republicans voted to pass a law that eliminated funding for an “all of the above” energy plan that would have created thousands of well-paid union jobs and reduced utility costs through greater energy production. In fact, House Republicans, too afraid of showing independence from Trump, voted to raise the average family’s energy bill by more than $110 over the course of 2026. Some Republicans, like Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-Va.), feeling the political winds changing, have sounded the alarm on rising energy costs, while seemingly forgetting her own role in raising her constituents’ and Americans’ energy bills. Republicans are too busy playing political games to do their jobs and lower costs. Americans have been directly harmed by Republicans’ betrayal. We are facing impossible choices: choosing everyday necessities like groceries, medications, and diapers or paying for gas. Across the country, small businesses, economic engines of their communities, are facing grim outlooks, too. I have spoken with small business owners who are getting crushed by tariffs and a Trump economy that requires far too many Americans to make difficult spending decisions every day. Actions speak louder than words, and House Republicans have proven time and again they are more worried about foreign wars than they are with addressing rising costs. Republicans are delivering nothing but broken promise after broken promise, and people feel the betrayal from the time they wake up until they go to sleep. Two-thirds of Americans say the country is on the wrong track. Voters know they deserve better and will hold Republicans accountable at the ballot box this fall. In contrast, House Democrats are ready to deliver lower energy costs for working families by supporting common-sense legislation to expand energy production, holding Trump and his administration accountable for their failed energy policies. Americans want a Congress that will represent their interests and vote to lower costs — Democrats are ready and will do that on Day One when we retake the majority and show the country what real leadership looks like. Rob Menendez represents New Jersey’s 8th District and is a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. He serves as Northeast vice chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.