(Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Democrats have a laundry list of problems these days. Over the past year that they have had control of both the White House and Congress, America has faced numerous issues the party has failed to address. But the issue gaining the most attention today is sky-high gas prices that are hitting Americans harder than Will Smith struck Chris Rock at the Oscars.
The price of gas has been climbing steadily over the past year. But shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine, prices shot up drastically – by 70 cents per gallon – becoming quite the thorn in the side of most Americans. In response, Democrats are seeking a multitude of solutions to ease the pain at the pump before the upcoming congressional elections.
One potential course of action is to offer monthly payments of $100 if national average gas prices stay higher than $4 per gallon. Representative Mike Thompson (D-CA) proposed legislation that would give “energy rebates to individual taxpayers” to help them keep their tanks full. It would provide $200 per month to couples and an additional $100 per dependent.
In a statement, Thompson said: “Americans are feeling the impact at the pump of Vladimir Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, and right now we must work together on common sense policy solutions to ease the financial burden that my constituents are feeling.”
He continued: “The Putin Price Hike is putting strain on our economy, and I am proud to be working with Reps. [John] Larson [D-CT] and [Lauren] Underwood [D-IL] to introduce this legislation to provide middle-class Americans with monthly payments to ease the financial burden of this global [crisis].”
The “Putin Price Hike” line is part of the Democrats’ desperate effort to convince the American public that rising gas prices have nothing to do with President Joe Biden’s failed energy policies but are actually Russian President Vladimir Putin’s fault. Polling shows Americans are not buying this narrative, but it seems Democrats never give up easily when it comes to deflecting from their failures.
(Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Other lawmakers are considering options as well. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Representative Ro Khanna (D-CA) have proposed issuing a quarterly rebate. Oil and gas companies would foot the bill for this particular endeavor through an additional tax.
Democrats appear to be reading the room on this issue. Many Americans not already fed up with Biden and his merry band in Congress find these gas prices pushing them over the edge. In fact, the Convention of States Action project, in conjunction with the Trafalgar Group, released the results of a survey showing that a majority (58.6%) of Americans believe Biden should step down if gas prices exceed $8 per gallon. Attitudes on this question fell along party lines, with 62.5% of Democrats believing Biden should not step down and 81.8% of Republicans saying he should. But 67.1% of independents concured with Republican respondents.
Even if Congress is able to implement measures to address the problem, it might not be enough. Biden’s approval rating remains dangerously low, which is affecting Democrats seeking to hold their positions in Congress. At this point, the party has made such a mess of the past year it would likely take a miracle to get voters to let them retain control of the legislature in 2023.
~ Read more from Jeff Charles.
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