Ranking Member Edward J. Markey of Massachusetts sent a letter on March 9 to Acting Commissioner William Wiatrowski of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, urging full transparency about the economic effects of what he called President Trump's illegal war with Iran. Markey asked for nonpartisan and accurate data on how the ongoing conflict could affect American consumers, particularly regarding rising gas prices and broader inflation.
The issue is significant as energy analysts predict that gas prices could reach $4 per gallon or higher nationwide if the conflict continues, while Massachusetts has already seen an average increase of 20 cents per gallon in the first week since hostilities began. Markey said it is important for Americans to have clear information about potential price increases in energy, food, and other goods due to disruptions caused by military actions.
"President Trump’s reckless, aimless, and illegal war with Iran is driving our nation into yet another self-inflicted energy and inflation crisis. American consumers should not be subjected to shakedowns every time they fill up their cars, just to pay for Donald Trump’s Middle Eastern crusade. Unfortunately, at this moment we are flying blind. The President has neglected to provide coherent or consistent explanations for the scope and goals of his war, either to the Congress or the American people, and we have similarly received no information from the Administration on the conflict’s expected duration or anticipated costs," Markey wrote.
Markey also said that "since U.S.-Israeli strikes started on February 28, 2026, American families and small businesses have already begun to feel the consequences at the pump, in the grocery aisle, and their utility bills. Energy costs impact virtually every economic sector, and as the disruption to global energy markets accelerates, the American people deserve rigorous, accountable projections to understand what lies ahead. BLS has historically provided nonpartisan statistical economic analyses, and I call on you to do so without delay." He requested updated projections from BLS by March 24 regarding consumer price changes in energy sectors such as gasoline and electricity; food prices affected by supply chain issues; broader consumer goods; as well as details about BLS's modeling methods related to geopolitical disruptions.
Markey's recent efforts include introducing legislation like the Tariff Refund Act of 2026 with other Senate leaders after tariffs were struck down by the Supreme Court. He has also released reports detailing how tariffs have impacted small businesses across America.
The Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee supports informed decision-making on national fiscal priorities according to its official website. The committee offers Congress comprehensive policy options on federal budget components according to its official website, features Lindsey Graham as chairman and Jeff Merkley as ranking member according to its official website, contributes via resolutions and reconciliation instructions according to its official website, was established through legislation in 1974 according to its official website, and provides nonpartisan budgetary analysis through oversight of the Congressional Budget Office according to its official website.
Looking ahead, Markey continues his advocacy for small businesses facing increased costs due to international conflicts or tariff policies.
