House Republicans left Washington for a seven-week pre-midterms recess after a series of efforts highlighted concerns over the rising cost of living before Election Day. Seven Republicans broke with their party to vote to rebuke the war in Iran launched by President Donald Trump, while other GOP lawmakers sought an unsuccessful last-minute vote to suspend the federal gas tax. The House also passed one of its final weekly votes on a bill designed to curb utility costs linked to data centers. Republicans cited record gas and diesel prices in some parts of the country, concern that AI infrastructure could increase electric bills, and a new Federal Reserve interest rate hike that is weighing on borrowing costs. Rep. Rich McCormick (R-Ga.) said he expects a “close” election and understands why colleagues wanted additional action.