What does Preamble of W.A.R. Act Wartime Anti-Profiteering and Relief Act do?

This bill aims to provide emergency relief to middle-income Americans experiencing increased living costs. The relief is targeted towards those affected by higher energy costs resulting from war-related disruptions in global energy markets. The bill also seeks to prevent war profiteering in essential goods.

What does SHORT TITLE. of W.A.R. Act Wartime Anti-Profiteering and Relief Act do?

This bill is formally titled the W.A.R. Act Wartime Anti-Profiteering and Relief Act.

What does FINDINGS; DECLARATION OF EMERGENCY. of W.A.R. Act Wartime Anti-Profiteering and Relief Act do?

This section identifies the ongoing U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict as a factor contributing to elevated global oil and gasoline prices in the United States. The conflict is also straining natural gas and liquefied natural gas markets, potentially leading to higher heating and electricity costs for American households. Increased energy prices resulting from the conflict are causing broader economic impacts, including higher costs for housing, food, and borrowing. Congress expresses concern that some market participants may be exploiting the conflict to engage in unjustified price increases. The section declares that the United States is experiencing a war-related energy cost emergency and suggests targeted, temporary relief for middle-income households and enhanced enforcement against price gouging.

What does DEFINITIONS. of W.A.R. Act Wartime Anti-Profiteering and Relief Act do?

This section defines terms used within the Act. “Secretary” is defined as the Secretary of the Treasury. “Middle-income household” refers to taxpayers with household income between $80,000 and $160,000 for a taxable year. “U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict” is defined as an armed conflict beginning around February 2026 involving U.S. support for Israel against Iran. “Designated U.S.-Israel-Iran war energy emergency period” begins on the Act's enactment date and ends either 365 days after a ceasefire or when energy prices normalize, as certified by the President or the Secretaries of Energy and Treasury, respectively.

What does [___]. of W.A.R. Act Wartime Anti-Profiteering and Relief Act do?

This section establishes a war inflation credit against the tax imposed by chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. The credit is available for each taxable year beginning in a designated U.S.-Israel-Iran war energy emergency period. The amount of the credit is determined by the Secretary and is intended to offset increases in commuting, grocery, and utility costs for middle-income households resulting from the conflict. Eligibility for the credit requires an individual to be a middle-income household and neither the individual nor their spouse can be a nonresident alien. The credit is refundable and allowed in addition to other credits, subject to coordination rules to prevent benefit duplication. The credit will be reduced and terminated after the President notifies Congress of a ceasefire and the Secretaries of Energy and Treasury jointly certify that gasoline and electricity prices are below specified thresholds for 180 days. The Secretary will provide public notice of any phase-out or termination in the Federal Register and on a public website.

What does PROHIBITION ON PRICE GOUGING DURING U.S.-ISRAEL-IRAN WAR of W.A.R. Act Wartime Anti-Profiteering and Relief Act do?

This section prohibits price gouging during a designated U.S.-Israel-Iran war energy emergency period. It defines unlawful conduct as selling covered goods at a price that represents a grossly excessive increase over the average price during the 60-day period preceding the Act's enactment. The price increase must not be substantially attributable to additional costs incurred or reasonably anticipated by the covered entity, including costs related to the conflict. Covered entities include persons, partnerships, corporations, or business entities engaged in the wholesale or retail sale of motor fuel, home heating fuels, or essential consumer staples. Covered goods are defined as goods described in subsection (b).

What does ENFORCEMENT BY FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION AND DEPARTMENT OF of W.A.R. Act Wartime Anti-Profiteering and Relief Act do?

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has authority to enforce section 201 using the same methods as the Federal Trade Commission Act. The Attorney General may bring civil actions in U.S. district court to enforce section 201, seeking injunctive relief, civil penalties, and restitution. This Act does not preempt state laws prohibiting price gouging or limit state attorney generals' enforcement authority. The FTC can create rules to implement this title, including defining 'grossly excessive' prices related to the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict.

What does FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION STUDY AND REPORT. of W.A.R. Act Wartime Anti-Profiteering and Relief Act do?

This section directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to conduct a study of State and local price gouging laws. The study will focus on the period of war-related disruptions in energy and essential goods markets caused by the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict. The study will examine the extent of law activation, covered products and services, enforcement actions, and observed impacts on consumer welfare, supply availability, and prices. The FTC will evaluate whether a permanent federal baseline standard for price gouging during declared emergencies would promote consumer protection and market stability. The Commission must submit a report to specified congressional committees within 18 months of the Act's enactment. The report will include the study's results and recommendations, potentially including legislative or administrative actions.

What does SUNSET; RULE OF CONSTRUCTION. of W.A.R. Act Wartime Anti-Profiteering and Relief Act do?

This section establishes a sunset provision for authorities and programs created by the Act, including the war inflation refundable tax credit. These authorities and programs will terminate at the end of the designated U.S.-Israel-Iran war energy emergency period. Investigations, enforcement actions, and proceedings commenced before the sunset date may continue. Civil or criminal liability for violations of the Act incurred before the sunset date will remain in effect. The Act clarifies that it does not limit the President's or federal agencies' authority to prevent profiteering under existing laws like the Defense Production Act of 1950. This section also states that the Act does not preempt or displace state or local laws prohibiting price gouging.

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W.A.R. Act Wartime Anti-Profiteering and Relief Act

Last updated: 4/9/2026 · Introduced: 4/9/2026

Author: Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes a refundable tax credit for middle-income households ($80,000 - $160,000) to offset increased costs for commuting, groceries, and utilities resulting from the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict.
The bill prohibits price gouging on motor fuel, home heating fuels, and essential consumer staples during the designated energy emergency period, defined as a period related to the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict.
It empowers the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Attorney General to enforce the price gouging prohibition through investigations, civil actions, and penalties.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is directed to study state and local price gouging laws and assess the potential for a permanent federal baseline standard.
Authorities and programs created by the bill, including the tax credit, are set to expire at the end of the designated U.S.-Israel-Iran war energy emergency period.

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 2 more.

4 sections

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TITLE I

-WAR INFLATION EMERGENCY MIDDLE-CLASS RELIEF

1 section

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TITLE II

-ANTI-PRICE GOUGING IN ENERGY AND ESSENTIAL GOODS

4 sections

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