Trump says he isn’t thinking about economy in Iran war. How is NC affected?
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Trump said he "doesn't think about Americans' financial situation" regarding the Iran war.
- AAA reported North Carolina fuel averaged $4.22 per gallon, up $1.33 from last year.
- Rep. Don Davis introduced a bill to suspend the federal diesel tax through Jan. 1.
Good morning! It’s Danielle Battaglia with the latest edition of Under the Dome focused on the Trump administration.
President Donald Trump, last week, told reporters he “doesn’t think about Americans’ financial situation,” when it comes to the war in Iran.
He added that his thought is ensuring Iran doesn’t have nuclear weapons.
Every day Americans are shouldering the burden of higher food costs, increased gas prices and other cost-of-living increases that are trickling down to the consumer due to supply chain interruptions.
The average cost of fuel in North Carolina, as of Thursday, was $4.22, according to AAA. That’s up $1.33 per gallon from last year.
Diesel fuel is up to $5.44 on average across North Carolina, an increase of $2.05 from last year, AAA reports.
While many North Carolinians are looking at regular gas prices for how their pocketbook will be affected, the diesel price is just as important because that will affect both farmers in the state and supply chains as companies try to move products.
The American Farm Bureau Federation reported increased fertilizer prices — up 55% since February and exacerbated by the war.
The federation also reported farm diesel prices increased 77%.
Last Wednesday, Rep. Don Davis, a Democrat from Snow Hill, introduced a bill to suspend taxes on diesel through Jan. 1, meant to bring relief to truck drivers and farmers.
“High diesel prices have squeezed eastern North Carolina farmers, truckers, and small businesses,” Davis said. “The Diesel Prices Relief Act would suspend the federal diesel tax through the end of the year, putting money back into the pockets of the hardworking people who grow our food, move our goods, and keep America running.”
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer was quick to give Trump a tongue lashing for his statement, saying Thursday morning on the Senate floor, “Americans feel the crushing weight of higher costs caused by Trump’s disastrous war and failed economic policies every time they walk through the grocery aisle and step up to the gas pump. What Americans do not see is any sympathy, any support, any plan from Trump or congressional Republicans to lower costs. In fact, they see the opposite.”
Democrats brought bills to both the House and Senate floors attempting to force Trump to remove troops from the war.
They failed in both chambers.
Here’s how North Carolina’s members voted:
- Sen. Thom Tillis (R): No
- Sen. Ted Budd (R): No
- Rep. Alma Adams (D): Yes
- Rep. Don Davis (D): Yes
- Rep. Chuck Edwards (R): No
- Rep. Valerie Foushee (D): Yes
- Rep. Virginia Foxx (R): No
- Rep. Pat Harrigan (R): No
- Rep. Mark Harris (R): No
- Rep. Richard Hudson (R): No
- Rep. Brad Knott (R): No
- Rep. Addison McDowell (R): No
- Rep. Tim Moore (R): No
- Rep. Greg Murphy (R): No
- Rep. Deborah Ross (D): Yes
- Rep. David Rouzer (R): No
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That’s it for now. Thanks for reading and supporting local journalism.
Be kind to each other. If you have any feedback or tips for this edition of the newsletter, feel free to reach out to me directly at dbattaglia@mcclatchydc.com.
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