Bennet, Pettersen, Colorado Democratic Delegation Demand Answers from President Trump as Iran War Spikes Gas Prices Ahead of Summer Travel Season

Jun 4, 2026 | Press Releases

Colorado Ranks in Top 10 Most Expensive U.S. Gas Markets

Denver - Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet joined U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen and the Colorado Democratic delegation in a letter to President Trump demanding answers about his administration's plan to lower gasoline prices, which the President spiked by launching his reckless war with Iran.

On Memorial Day, Colorado ranked as one of the 10 most expensive gasoline markets in the nation, with prices surpassing $4.76 per gallon - an increase of over 60 percent from before President Trump launched his war. Gasoline prices could continue to rise throughout the summer travel season, further straining family budgets already stretched thin by the burden of the rising cost of housing, electricity, groceries, and other essentials.

"We are deeply concerned that, by your own account, you 'don't think about Americans' financial situation[s]' when negotiating with Iran, at a time when Americans continue to struggle to pay for groceries, housing, and everyday essentials. Coloradans need a plan for how you intend to deliver relief as families are being crushed by rising costs," wrote the lawmakers.

"Summer travel is an important tradition for families across our country, whether it be taking well-earned time off to visit family or driving through small towns and gateway communities to visit National Parks and other treasured American destinations. Rising fuel prices will make it harder for families to experience the beauty of our nation, support local businesses, attend community events, and celebrate America's heritage. Millions of Americans will travel this summer to visit Washington, D.C., and historic sites across the country as preparations continue for America's 250th anniversary celebrations, making affordable fuel even more important for families planning these trips," continued the lawmakers.

The lawmakers requested detailed information on the administration's efforts to lower gasoline prices by June 18, 2026. Specifically, they requested information regarding:

• Actions the administration is taking to reduce gas prices in the near term;
• Whether a coordinated interagency strategy exists to address rising fuel costs;
• Analysis of the factors driving recent gasoline price increases;
• The administration's assessment of the impact on working families, rural communities, and small businesses; and
• The benchmarks being used to determine whether administration actions are successfully lowering prices.

In May 2026, Bennet joined Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) to introduce legislation to increase the excise tax on stock buybacks of large oil and gas companies from one percent to 25 percent to ensure that windfall oil profits from the Iran War aren't used to reward corporate shareholders.

The text of the letter is available HERE and below.

Dear President Trump:

We write regarding rising gasoline prices ahead of the summer travel season and growing concerns from Coloradans about fuel affordability. After you unilaterally dragged the United States into another endless war in the Middle East, Americans are being forced to foot the bill at the gas pump. Recent reporting and market analysis indicate that gasoline prices have surged nationally in recent weeks, with Colorado being one of the top 10 most expensive gasoline markets, with prices reaching over $4.76 per gallon,1 which is over 60% more than Coloradans paid before the war. Furthermore, prices have the potential to climb even further this summer.2 We are deeply concerned that, by your own account, you "don't think about Americans' financial situation" when negotiating with Iran, at a time when Americans continue to struggle to pay for groceries, housing, and everyday essentials.3 Coloradans need a plan for how you intend to deliver relief as families are being crushed by rising costs.

Summer travel is an important tradition for families across our country, whether it be taking well-earned time off to visit family or driving through small towns and gateway communities to visit National Parks and other treasured American destinations. Rising fuel prices will make it harder for families to experience the beauty of our nation, support local businesses, attend community events, and celebrate America's heritage. Millions of Americans will travel this summer to visit Washington, D.C., and historic sites across the country as preparations continue for America's 250th anniversary celebrations, making affordable fuel even more important for families planning these trips.

Given these factors, we request information regarding the Administration's strategy to lower gasoline prices and mitigate effects on consumers during the 2026 summer travel season.

Specifically, please respond to the following questions no later than June 18, 2026:

1. What specific actions is the Administration currently undertaking to reduce gas prices in the near term?
2. Have you developed a coordinated interagency plan to address projected fuel price increases during the summer travel season? If so, please provide that plan.
3. What analysis have you conducted regarding the primary drivers of recent gasoline price increases? Please provide this analysis.
4. What assessment have you made regarding the economic impact of elevated gasoline prices on low- and moderate- income households, rural communities, and small businesses? Please provide this assessment.
5. What benchmarks or metrics are you using to evaluate whether the actions you are taking are successfully lowering gasoline prices? Please publish these benchmarks.

Americans deserve transparency and accountability regarding the Administration's plan to address rising fuel prices. Families across the country are making difficult decisions right now based on the expectation that gasoline prices may continue to rise throughout the summer. Yet, your Administration continues to find endless money for a war in Iran and White House renovations. Congress and the public should understand what concrete actions are being taken to provide relief to American households.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to your prompt response.

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