Cornyn appeared to be referencing the Secretary of State’s remarks from late June, whereby he said of the Strait: “It’s an international waterway. No country is allowed to charge tolls or fees on an international waterway. That’s existing international law.”
TIME has contacted Rubio’s office for comment.
Sen. Kim of the Democratic Party also cited concern over the plan for the crucial trade passage, the disruption of which has rocked energy markets across the world.
“Trump’s inconsistent action over the Strait of Hormuz is not a negotiating tactic—it’s expensive for Americans and a threat to the global economy,” he said. “A staggering 20% fee will drive up the cost of daily goods, from fertilizer for our farms to toys for our kids.”
The Joint Economic Committee Democrats estimate that Americans have paid $56.4 billion more for gas since the start of the Iran war.
“As President Trump declares that he’s ended his cease-fire with Iran, gas costs have already started rising again, at a time when Americans continue to face the squeeze of higher costs overall from Trump’s war, tariffs, and other actions. Yet President Trump says he doesn’t even think about the financial situation of Americans,” said U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire, a ranking member of the committee.
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