WASHINGTON, D.C. / DULUTH, MN — Stauber Minnesota Realty™ is pleased to confirm that lead listing agent Pete Stauber (R-MN08) voted NO today on H.Con.Res. 93, a war powers resolution directing the President to remove U.S. forces from hostilities with Iran. The resolution passed 220–204 anyway, with seven Republicans — including two from neighboring Iowa — breaking ranks. Agent Stauber was not among them.
The vote preserves the firm’s most successful 2026 product line: the Winter Fuel Surcharge. When the United States joined Israel’s war on Iran on February 28, the national average price of gasoline was $2.98. On Labor Day weekend it was $4.14, and diesel set an all-time record of $5.85. Yesterday, the average price of diesel in Minnesota was $6.07 — nearly $2.50 higher than a year ago.
“Our clients in the 8th District don’t heat with policy papers,” said no one at Stauber Minnesota Realty. “They heat with propane and fuel oil. In Aitkin County nearly half the homes were on propane at last count; St. Louis County has the highest share of fuel-oil heat in the state. The August price index put fuel oil up 52% in a year. The National Energy Assistance Directors Association projects oil-heated homes will pay 31% more this winter, about $2,300 for the season. That’s what we call a seller’s market.”
According to the Congressional Budget Office, the war cost $38 billion in its first six months and is running about $3 billion a month, and it is expected to add half a percentage point to inflation in early 2027. The resolution is not expected to survive a presidential veto. Agent Stauber’s vote, however, is permanent.
The administration’s fiscal 2027 budget proposes eliminating the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which serves about 8% of St. Louis County households — more than twice the rate in Hennepin County. Congress rejected the same proposal last year. The weatherization tax credit for insulation, windows and heat pumps ended December 31, 2025 under the One Big Beautiful Bill, which Agent Stauber voted for twice.
For a full inspection of the surcharge, visit the Winter Fuel Surcharge listing →
The listing agent voted to keep the surcharge. His lease is up November 3.
How to vote in Minnesota →