Ranking Member Edward J. Markey wrote to Acting Commissioner William Wiatrowski of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics on April 17, requesting transparency regarding the economic effects of what he calls President Trump's illegal war on Iran. Markey's letter follows a previous inquiry in March that received no response from the agency.
The request comes as small businesses and families face rising costs, including higher gasoline prices, which Markey attributes to the ongoing conflict with Iran. He said Americans are also dealing with increased electricity bills and healthcare cuts, while disruptions in fertilizer supply chains have contributed to price hikes across various sectors.
In his letter, Markey said, “Increased transportation costs affect virtually every facet of the supply chains our economy relies on. And yet, we have yet to hear any concrete plan from the Administration regarding an end to the conflict, a solution to alleviate these costs, or any attempt at providing relief for Americans.” He continued by saying: “Understandably, Americans remain skeptical that President Trump has a plan of any kind. They cannot afford to fly blind, as Trump apparently elects to. Facing thousands of dollars in higher prices for gasoline, groceries, and utilities—not to mention the hundreds of billions of their taxpayer money that Trump is requesting to pay for the war itself—American families and small businesses must budget and plan for the future. BLS must put forward consumer price projections that reflect the disastrous consequences of Trump’s illegal war.”
Markey requested updated projections from BLS about changes in consumer prices over six-to-twelve months for energy—including gasoline and home heating fuel—food items impacted by energy costs and fertilizer disruptions, broader goods affected by shipping cost increases and supply chain issues, as well as details about how BLS models such impacts.
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 related to 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 through resolutions and reconciliation instructions according to its official website, was established under the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 according to its official website, and provides nonpartisan analysis via oversight over the Congressional Budget Office according to its official website.
Markey previously released data showing how rising oil prices linked with current events are affecting American consumers at gas stations. In March he sent letters urging major oil companies not award executives profits stemming from these price increases during what he describes as Trump's illegal war in Iran.
Looking ahead, Markey is seeking answers from BLS by May 1 about how American consumers will be impacted financially if current trends continue.
