Kansas senator says to stop complaining about gas prices. Criticism mounts
Sen. Roger Marshall said that he’s sorry for the increased gas prices amid the ongoing war with Iran, but that the national security implications are worth the higher costs.
“I’m sorry the gas prices are going up, but help is on the way and your national security, yes, is even more important than your pocketbook,” Marshall said in an interview on Newsmax.
Marshall’s spokesperson, Payton Fuller, said that his comments expressed that he’s hopeful that the conflict will not last long, and that once it’s complete, gas prices will come down.
But in the interview, he said America could be dragged into the conflict for a prolonged period of time. He likened it to past generations during World War II, and said that they weren’t as fickle on matters of national security.
“Could you imagine trying to tell the president, look, you only got so many days to defeat Hitler or defeat Japan. We have to do it until we get the outcome that we want,” Marshall said. “I hope it’s weeks and not months, but at the end of the day, Americans are going to be safer.”
President Donald Trump echoed the messaging, telling Fox Business on Wednesday that he believes the war is “close to over,” and that it would continue as long as needed to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.
On Monday, about 10,000 U.S. soldiers were deployed to block Iranian ports. On Wednesday, Iran threatened to stop any vessel seeking passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Traffic through the strait slowed to a crawl, and only 45 ships have passed following an April 8 ceasefire, compared to over 100 that typically passed before the war began.
Marshall praised President Donald Trump for the military action in Iran, calling the blockade a “great jiu-jitsu move” to accelerate the end of the war. He further praised Trump for being willing to fight against Iran, which he said would be like “North Korea on steroids” if they obtained a nuclear weapon.
But critics and opponents have pounced on Marshall’s comments, saying Republicans came into power on promises of lowering inflation and improving the economy. Democrats have been critical of the war, and 59% of Americans believe the U.S. made the wrong decision to use military force in Iran, according to Pew Research.
“Kansans were promised lower costs. But they’re getting higher gas and grocery prices while a costly war puts service members’ lives at risk,” Zac Donley, spokesperson for U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, a Kansas Democrat who has flirted with a Senate run, told The Star in an email. “Rep. Davids believes people shouldn’t have to choose between affordability and safety.”
Noah Taylor, a candidate in the Democratic Primary for Marshall’s seat, said the war is unjustified and is increasing costs for Kansans.
“Last year, Roger Marshall said Iran’s nuclear capabilities were obliterated and set back years; now he’s doubling down, saying that it was a national security risk. Can’t provide a shred of evidence,” Taylor said. “We’re paying more in gas, our farmers are paying more in fertilizer and diesel, and Roger Marshall is just telling you to get over it.”
Marshall’s colleagues in Washington have also taken aim at the comments.
“Translation: Trump’s reckless war of choice with Iran is more important than your ability to afford the basics,” Sen. Patty Murray, a Washington Democrat, posted to social media.
