a 'cushion' of air [=a layer of air that provides support or protection to something]
The tax cut should 'cushion' the economy 'from' the effect of soaring gas prices.
The tax cut is meant to 'cushion the blow/impact' of soaring gas prices.
(..) till I get down there. Haku is bleeding all over the carpet. Get him out of here. He'll be dead soon anyway. Hi, sweetie. Hiding under the cushions again? Oh, I woke you, and you were sound asleep. I'm sorry. Let me give you a kiss. Go back to sleep, now. (..)2001 Spirited Away