Congress Returns With Focus on Affordability and Fuel Prices

As Congress returns to Capitol Hill on June 1, lawmakers are emphasizing affordability issues, including fuel, groceries, and health care costs, ahead of midterm elections. Gasoline prices have risen to a national average of $4.26 per gallon, with leaders linking increases to the Iran conflict and broader economic policy debates.

The House-approved $580 billion infrastructure bill includes funding for truck parking, while the Senate prepares hearings on highway budgets and reauthorization. Democratic leaders, such as Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, argue that Republicans have failed to ease economic pressures on consumers, while Republican leaders contend that the economic agenda enacted by President Donald Trump has delivered tax relief to most working-class voters.

The White House has indicated that the Iran conflict could conclude in the near future and has characterized rising fuel prices as temporary. The Senate committee on highway policy is scheduled to hold a hearing on the Federal Highway Administration’s proposed fiscal 2027 budget, and Senators are working toward a multiyear surface transportation reauthorization.

The BUILD America 250 Act, approved by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, would authorize $580 billion over five years for surface transportation programs and address safety and freight mobility challenges.