Rep. Gabe Vasquez says rising prices remain a significant concern for New Mexicans, as President Donald Trump delivered a primetime address to the nation on Wednesday, making his case for the war in Iran and explaining why he believes the conflict is necessary.”I think Americans want clarity on what exactly the president’s plan is and how this administration plans to move forward,” said Rep. Vasquez.A month ago, New Mexicans were paying $2.75 per gallon on average. Today, there has been a 40 percent increase to $3.84, according to AAA, just 16 cents away from hitting four dollars.”The average New Mexican drives about 18,000 miles. That is hundreds to even thousands of dollars more money per year if gas prices remain elevated,” said UNM economist Reilly White.White said New Mexico, a top oil producer, could see a boost in state revenues through taxes and royalties, but everyday people are experiencing more pain at the pump.President Trump said Wednesday that the U.S. does not get much of its oil through the Strait of Hormuz, but White noted that the conflict is still driving global oil prices higher.”Our wallets aren’t going to be fixed tomorrow, but there’s a big debate if this extends or this ends up being a longer war. Oil prices can remain very high for many months,” White said.”What I’m concerned with right now is the rising prices of just about everything and especially the rising cost of gas,” Vasquez said.In New Mexico, Harding County now has the highest average price at $4.45 a gallon, as of Wednesday.”I’ve been concerned from the very beginning of this conflict that this could be a prolonged war in the Middle East. This is exactly what Americans haven’t asked for,” Vasquez said. “And now we’ve seen billions of dollars of taxpayers’ money spent, and even worse, over a dozen American service members killed in this war, over 300 injured, and our prices continue to skyrocket.”Vasquez said he is not currently aware of any New Mexican servicemembers involved in the conflict.U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) issued a statement on President Trump’s announcement on the Iran war, criticizing the lack of a clear plan and the consequences of the conflict: “President Trump didn’t have a plan going into this war, and there’s still no credible plan to end it now. The American people did not ask for this conflict, Congress did not authorize it, and this administration has never laid out a clear strategy. President Trump dragged our nation into a war that has already cost American lives and put our troops in harm’s way. Now, he is saying the war is ‘nearing completion’ after accomplishing nothing and without taking responsibility for the consequences. The war has weakened our alliances, emboldened our adversaries, and driven up costs for families here at home. The American people deserve the truth from the Trump administration. My prayers remain with the American service members we have lost, their families, and all those currently serving.”
Rep. Gabe Vasquez says rising prices remain a significant concern for New Mexicans, as President Donald Trump delivered a primetime address to the nation on Wednesday, making his case for the war in Iran and explaining why he believes the conflict is necessary.
“I think Americans want clarity on what exactly the president’s plan is and how this administration plans to move forward,” said Rep. Vasquez.
A month ago, New Mexicans were paying $2.75 per gallon on average. Today, there has been a 40 percent increase to $3.84, according to AAA, just 16 cents away from hitting four dollars.
“The average New Mexican drives about 18,000 miles. That is hundreds to even thousands of dollars more money per year if gas prices remain elevated,” said UNM economist Reilly White.
White said New Mexico, a top oil producer, could see a boost in state revenues through taxes and royalties, but everyday people are experiencing more pain at the pump.
President Trump said Wednesday that the U.S. does not get much of its oil through the Strait of Hormuz, but White noted that the conflict is still driving global oil prices higher.
“Our wallets aren’t going to be fixed tomorrow, but there’s a big debate if this extends or this ends up being a longer war. Oil prices can remain very high for many months,” White said.
“What I’m concerned with right now is the rising prices of just about everything and especially the rising cost of gas,” Vasquez said.
In New Mexico, Harding County now has the highest average price at $4.45 a gallon, as of Wednesday.
“I’ve been concerned from the very beginning of this conflict that this could be a prolonged war in the Middle East. This is exactly what Americans haven’t asked for,” Vasquez said. “And now we’ve seen billions of dollars of taxpayers’ money spent, and even worse, over a dozen American service members killed in this war, over 300 injured, and our prices continue to skyrocket.”
Vasquez said he is not currently aware of any New Mexican servicemembers involved in the conflict.
U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) issued a statement on President Trump’s announcement on the Iran war, criticizing the lack of a clear plan and the consequences of the conflict: “President Trump didn’t have a plan going into this war, and there’s still no credible plan to end it now. The American people did not ask for this conflict, Congress did not authorize it, and this administration has never laid out a clear strategy. President Trump dragged our nation into a war that has already cost American lives and put our troops in harm’s way. Now, he is saying the war is ‘nearing completion’ after accomplishing nothing and without taking responsibility for the consequences. The war has weakened our alliances, emboldened our adversaries, and driven up costs for families here at home. The American people deserve the truth from the Trump administration. My prayers remain with the American service members we have lost, their families, and all those currently serving.”
