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212-212 War Powers Split as Speaker Blames Hormuz Gas Surge

5/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

House Speaker Mike Johnson said rising fuel prices stem from Strait of Hormuz instability and are a priority for Republicans before the midterms.
A War Powers vote ended 212-212, revealing dissent within the thin Republican majority.
Johnson warned that higher gasoline costs could hurt the GOP’s midterm message centered on economic recovery.
Trump administration officials said Gulf shipping may normalize later this summer, easing oil-market pressure before the election season.

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Story summary

House Speaker Mike Johnson said rising fuel prices stem from Strait of Hormuz instability and are a priority for Republicans before the midterms.
A War Powers vote ended 212-212, revealing dissent within the thin Republican majority.
Johnson warned that higher gasoline costs could hurt the GOP’s midterm message centered on economic recovery.
Trump administration officials said Gulf shipping may normalize later this summer, easing oil-market pressure before the election season.