economy
March 9, 2026
Emmer urges calm as oil prices spike due to Iran war
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN) urged calm on Monday after the price of crude oil surged due to fallout from the Iran war.
TL;DR
- Crude oil prices surged to $119.50 a barrel before settling around $100, the highest since 2022, due to the Iran war.
- House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN) and President Trump stated the oil price increase would be temporary, a short-term cost for long-term peace and security.
- Democrats highlighted the economic risks, with Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) arguing against involvement in another Middle East war and focusing on affordability.
- Some Republicans, like Sen. John Curtis (R-UT), acknowledged the political risks to the party's affordability messaging ahead of midterm elections.
- Emmer and House Republicans were meeting in Doral, Florida, for a conference focused on political messaging for the 2026 elections.
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