As Americans grapple with painful prices at the pump amidst a global oil crisis, some Alaskan lawmakers seem intent on making that pain even worse. The 49th state is debating a tax increase on certain oil and gas companies, a measure that will make energy even more expensive and chill investment. The state Senate shoehorned this tax hike via a Democrat-sponsored amendment into a House bill that covers a royalty agreement with Marathon Petroleum Corporation. The amendment would impose a top marginal tax rate of more than 9% on privately held oil companies, as opposed to publicly traded ones like ExxonMobil or Marathon. It’s a messy change to Alaska’s tax system that would impose significant costs on privately held energy producers, called S corps, which have strict limits on the number of owners or shareholders. They’re often much smaller than their publicly traded brothers, the C corps. The tax hike would impose the higher taxes of C corps onto certain S corps in Alaska. Of course, the state Senate didn’t bother vetting the knock-on effects of such a change and no one provided any empirical modeling of the economic impact. Members of Alaska’s legislature aren’t even sure which companies in the state would be impacted—further evidence that this change hasn’t been adequately contemplated. Rewriting Alaska’s corporate tax code would create tremendous uncertainty in the oil sector, which already faces significant structural challenges, including declining production from mature fields, limited lease availability, and the high costs associated with exploration and development. After years of stagnation and decline, oil production is finally projected to increase, with the U.S. Energy Information Administration forecasting growth in 2026. But that forecast is not a foregone conclusion. Oil and gas investment is highly sensitive to policy changes, particularly for S corps that are very responsive to tax treatment when financing capital-intensive projects like oil development. Imposing new taxes on these entities risks undermining the very investment needed to sustain and grow Alaska’s energy output and their economy. The solution to a so-called revenue shortfall is not to hike taxes, but to encourage investment. This change would do exactly the opposite. It not only makes investment in Alaska’s oil sector less profitable, but it makes it riskier. By rewriting part of the corporate tax code to target specific companies, it’ll make other businesses and industries worry if they’ll be next to face a tax hike. The fact is that incentives matter. If you tax something more, you get less of it. Higher taxes on energy producers organized as S corps would reduce economic activity in the sector, meaning less energy production and less domestic investment. That’s exactly the opposite of what the nation needs right now and will only exacerbate high prices at the pump. Alaska should be encouraging exploration and production, while fast-tracking new projects. A larger energy sector is the best way to increase tax revenue, as opposed to strangling less economic activity with higher taxes. The irony here is that the Alaska legislature previously rejected this proposal—just last year. Fortunately, the House also just rejected the Senate’s offending amendment, but there’s still a chance the tax hike gets shoehorned back into legislation and ends up on the governor’s desk. Everyone, from the Alaska legislature and governor to the American people broadly, should understand the effects we can expect from this kind of tax increase. Investment and production will fall, putting further upward pressure on energy prices. Employment in the oil and gas industry will suffer and economic growth in Alaska will be hamstrung. All this negative fallout would be bad enough during normal times with relatively low oil prices, but it’s substantially worse with today’s elevated prices stemming from the Iran war. Alaskan lawmakers would do well to remember the fragility of both the global energy sector abroad and the American consumer here at home before upending the tax code. The post Will an Alaskan Tax Hike Make the Oil Crisis Worse? appeared first on The Daily Signal.

President Donald Trump has made an endorsement ahead of the Ohio Republican primary in a key House district that could help decide which party controls Congress. The president on Tuesday announced on Truth Social that he was endorsing Air Force veteran and former CIA officer Eric Conroy for Ohio’s 1st Congressional District. He drew a strong contrast between Conroy and Democratic incumbent Rep. Greg Landsman, noting that “Eric Conroy is one of the strongest Republican Candidates in the Country, whereas the current Congressman, Greg Landsman, is a weak Radical Left Democrat, who puts our Country, and Safety, LAST. Eric, on the other hand, will ALWAYS put Ohio, and America, FIRST.” Conroy pinned Trump’s endorsement on X as he thanked the president for the “honor” of his support. Thank you, President Trump! It's an honor to earn your support in the race for Ohio's 1st Congressional District. I look forward to joining you in Washington to cut reckless spending, slash red tape, secure our borders, and defend conservative values for Southwest Ohio… pic.twitter.com/j17HA147Vh— Eric Conroy (@TheEric42) April 14, 2026 “I am honored to have President Trump’s endorsement,” Conroy also said in a statement. “The President fights every day for the forgotten men and women of this country, and I will do exactly that every day in Congress for the commonsense, hardworking people of southwest Ohio.” That same day, Conroy reposted on X the announcement of a joint House Republican leadership endorsement from Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La.; House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La.; House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain, R-Mich.; and House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn. Joint House Republican leadership endorsement statement with @MikeJohnson, @SteveScaliseGOP, and @tomemmer: Eric Conroy is a veteran and America First patriot who will help us continue to deliver safe streets, secure borders, lower costs, and peace through strength. After… pic.twitter.com/9fhC7lIJYV— Lisa McClain (@LisaForCongress) April 15, 2026 Conroy was previously endorsed by Sens. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo., and Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio. On Wednesday afternoon, Conroy touted his fundraising success as proof of his leadership. “Winning this seat isn’t about making a statement — it’s about having the resources, the record, and the toughness to take the fight to Greg Landsman and win,” Conroy said in a statement. “These numbers prove this campaign has what it takes. “Republicans can’t afford a charity case asking Washington to save us in the fall.  There are too many races competing for money. We need a candidate who can raise the money, lead the charge, and force national groups to invest in this race.” Following yesterday’s great news, our campaign continues to build serious momentum. We outraised every primary opponent combined and have assembled the strongest financial operation in the race. We are focused on winning the primary in May and taking this fight into November in… pic.twitter.com/SBiXDTRi4A— Eric Conroy (@TheEric42) April 15, 2026 Though Landsman was once seen as enjoying a healthy advantage in the race, redrawn maps for 2026 have given Republicans a stronger position than in previous years. Trump lashed out against Landsman and his record, calling the congressman “a true Radical Left Extremist who does not represent the Values of Southwest Ohio and the Great City of Cincinnati.” He cited the lawmaker’s positions on borders, men playing in women’s sports, LGBT issues, and defunding police. “Sadly, Greg also voted against the Biggest Tax Cut in History, and fought ferociously against my America First Trade Policies, most specifically TARIFFS, which charge other Countries for access to our Markets while protecting our important Industries, and strengthening our Supply Chains,” Trump added. Conroy took aim at Landsman’s liberal record as well. “Greg Landsman voted against the largest tax cut in American history, he wants to defund ICE, supported defunding the police, and voted to allow transgender men to compete in girls’ sports. Landsman’s radical agenda is out of touch with Southwest Ohio,” the candidate said. Last week, however, the Cook Political Report changed Ohio’s 1st Congressional District race from “Toss-Up” to “Lean D.” The Daily Signal reached out to Landsman’s campaign regarding Trump’s post and endorsement of Conroy. The campaign did not immediately return a request for comment. The president also announced other endorsements in key House races, including in California’s 48th Congressional District, Georgia’s 1st and 10th Congressional Districts, Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District, New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District, Washington’s 3rd Congressional District, and Nevada’s 1st and 3rd Congressional Districts. The post Trump Makes Endorsement in Key House Race appeared first on The Daily Signal.

FIRST ON THE DAILY SIGNAL—Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., will introduce bipartisan legislation Thursday to codify key aspects of first lady Melania Trump’s “Fostering the Future” initiative. The move comes after the first lady made a rare trip to Capitol Hill on Wednesday, where she addressed members of the House Ways and Means Committee and urged Congress to put her foster care initiatives into law. “New legislation for the foster care community is a moral imperative,” Trump told the committee. ? NOW: Melania Trump speaks at the US Capitol on bi-partisan efforts to REVAMP America's foster care system"In safeguarding our children's well-being, we shape the integrity of our nation.""My goal is to prepare [foster kids] to secure entry-level jobs, become financially… pic.twitter.com/VviXdeR3OP— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) April 15, 2026 Daines, along with co-sponsor Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., will bring the Foster Youth Education and Workforce Opportunity Act to the Senate. The bill incorporates language from a November presidential executive order expanding educational opportunities for children in the foster care system, and it creates additional workforce pathways for those transitioning out of care. “One of the greatest gifts that we can give our children is the opportunity to succeed,” Daines told The Daily Signal. “Unfortunately, foster youth aging out of the system often lack access to the education and workforce training needed to build a career, especially in rural states like Montana,” he added. Each year, more than 20,000 children age out of the foster care system and face barriers to employment and education. By their mid-20s, former foster youth earn roughly 50% less than their peers. The legislation would expand education and training vouchers from $5,000 to $12,000 annually and allow the funds to be used more flexibly for apprenticeships and technical education. The bill also targets challenges in rural states, including transportation gaps and complex application processes. Pro-life at all stages. Every child deserves to grow up in a safe environment & this EO will help youth in foster care successfully transition from that system into flourishing adulthood. https://t.co/Y86R31cqAs— Steve Daines (@SteveDaines) November 13, 2025 “My goal is to prepare these individuals to secure entry-level jobs, become financially independent, and eventually innovate, create new businesses, and generate employment opportunities,” Trump said during the committee hearing. “Our bill will support the first lady’s efforts to improve pathways to success for America’s foster youth and set them up for a bright future,” Daines said. “I’ll fight to get it across the finish line.” Daines noted that companion legislation has been introduced in the House by Reps. Nathaniel Moran, R-Texas; Max Miller, R-Ohio; Dwight Evans, D-Pa.; and Judy Chu, D-Calif. The post EXCLUSIVE: Daines Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Codify First Lady’s Foster Care Initiatives appeared first on The Daily Signal.

Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Ariz., introduced legislation on Wednesday he says would end what he calls Washington’s “culture of corruption, secrecy, and self-protection.” The Stopping Wasteful Allowances for Lawmaker Wrongdoing and Ensuring Legal Liability Act would prohibit the use of taxpayer dollars to settle sexual harassment and other misconduct claims involving members of Congress and senior staff. “For decades, the swamp in Washington, D.C., has protected its own—letting corrupt politicians bury misconduct behind closed doors while sticking taxpayers with the bill,” Gosar wrote in a press release. “That ends now. If a member of Congress or professional staff breaks the law or abuses their position, they should pay the price themselves, not the American people, and not in secret.” Gosar introduced the bill after Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., was accused by multiple former staffers of sexual harassment, and, in one instance, rape. Critics have accused the prevailing Congressional environment of shielding Swalwell from his allegations. The measure is co-sponsored by Reps. Andy Biggs of Arizona, Lauren Boebert of Colorado, Tim Burchett of Tennessee, Buddy Carter of Georgia, Randy Fine of Florida, and Anna Paulina Luna of Florida. It would eliminate what critics have described as a congressional “slush fund” used to resolve misconduct claims with public money. Under the bill, lawmakers and certain congressional staff would be required to certify under oath that they did not use taxpayer funds to settle claims. The legislation would bar the use of federal dollars for such settlements and require those found liable to pay all costs out of pocket, with no reimbursements, campaign funds, or pass-throughs. In February, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., introduced a similar effort, which would have ended the taxpayer “slush fund.” Her effort overwhelmingly failed. Gosar’s proposal would also create a public, searchable database listing lawmakers and staff who settled claims or were found liable, including the amount paid and the nature of the misconduct, while maintaining protections for victims. In addition, the bill would disclose all taxpayer-funded settlements dating back to 1995. The legislation further requires that allegations involving potential criminal conduct be referred directly to the Department of Justice, prohibiting nondisclosure agreements or internal resolutions that prevent referral. Those who attempt to circumvent the law would face enhanced penalties, including double damages and mandatory ethics investigations enforced by the attorney general. “This is about ending the two-tiered system in Washington, D.C., where politicians play by their own rules,” Gosar said. “The SWALWELL Act restores accountability, enforces transparency, and makes it clear: If you betray the public trust, you will be exposed, and you will pay for it.” The post House Introduces SWALWELL Act to Deliver a ‘Blow’ to DC’s Corruption ‘Culture’ appeared first on The Daily Signal.

Maryland’s Legislature is run by Democrats, yet it refuses to gerrymander the congressional districts in its state. Virginia Democrats could learn something from the Free State. Like it or not, Virginia is constantly comparing herself to next-door Maryland. Out of the 47 seats in the Maryland Senate, 34 are held by Democrats. Still, those senators chose to leave mid-decade redistricting in a committee drawer rather than comply with former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and his nationwide redistricting campaign. To be fair, President Donald Trump did say it would be nice if Texas — when ordered by the courts to redraw a few districts because they failed the Voting Rights Act “majority-minority” litmus test — made a few more Republican-majority seats. But otherwise, it has been the former attorney general’s organization, the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, which has used that premise to try to gerrymander California, Illinois, Missouri, Utah, North Carolina, Ohio, and Virginia. The Virginia Public Access Project, which frequently reports on campaign financing, made a stunning revelation this week: Of the $64 million that had been given to “vote yes” Democrats on the issue of redistricting, only 3% has come from Virginians. Yes, all those ads on your phone and television are being paid for by non-Virginians telling you to approve a “temporary” suspension of the commonwealth’s Constitution — all to benefit one political party, and to turn their slight representative majority into a supermajority for the next six years. They must not want you to figure out what Maryland’s Democrats have said — that this is wrong. Sure, the Virginia Supreme Court promises that it will begin proceedings later in the week, on appeal of a lower-court ruling, that the whole process violated several Virginia laws and should not have been allowed. It will be interesting to see what the justices do. But before that, Virginia’s voters can say “no,” just like Maryland’s Democratic senators. According to the registrar from heavily Democrat Albemarle County, voter turnout in this Charlottesville suburb is over 12,000 votes so far. That number is higher than this point in 2025’s gubernatorial election. However, that’s far short of the 56,000 voters that voted by the end of that county’s 2025’s general election. The point is, there are lots of votes still out there. And according to an un-scientific survey of a half-dozen people that have been door-knocking and phone-banking, half the people they talk to have no idea that this vote is taking place. Don’t be shy—tell a friend. Saturday will be the last day to vote early in-person at your registrar’s office. Then, Tuesday, April 21, is it. Polls will be open by 7 a.m. in most regular polling locations. Some areas like Harrisonburg have set up temporary special locations, so check with your local registrar. If people get out and vote, at least we can be sure that these votes will be coming from Virginians. The post Virginia Voters Should Look to Democrat-run Maryland on Redistricting appeared first on The Daily Signal.