politics
Lawmakers Debate Proposal to Suspend Federal Gas Tax
President Trump has backed a temporary suspension of the federal gas tax as average prices climbed to $4.51 a gallon amid the conflict with Iran. Democrats called for ending the war while some Republicans supported the tax pause and others favored alternative measures such as year-round sales of E-15 ethanol blend. The proposal would cut 18.4 cents per gallon of gasoline for at least 90 days.
May 13, 4:22 PM·3m read2 sources
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Capitol Hill lawmakers are divided over President Trump’s proposal to suspend the federal gas tax as average gasoline prices reached $4.51 a gallon and diesel hit $5.66 amid the ongoing conflict with Iran. Democrats urged an end to the war rather than temporary relief measures.
Republicans offered competing ideas ranging from backing the tax suspension to expanding access to cheaper ethanol-blended fuel or maintaining pressure on Iran. The federal gas tax stands at 18.4 cents per gallon of gasoline and 24.4 cents per gallon of diesel.
A suspension would deliver that amount in direct savings at the pump. Sen. Josh Hawley introduced legislation Monday to suspend the tax for at least 90 days with a possible additional 90-day extension if prices remain high. Trump backed the idea the same day.
"He’s got to bring this war to an end if he wants these gas prices to come down," one Democratic senator said. Both argued that ending the war would address the root cause of higher fuel costs. Some Republican lawmakers expressed support for considering the suspension to ease broader economic pressure.
One noted that higher gas prices raise costs for groceries and other goods. Others argued that year-round sales of E-15 ethanol-blended gasoline would deliver larger savings of 30 to 40 cents per gallon plus an additional 10 to 15 cents from related measures.
E-15 is currently restricted in summer months under Environmental Protection Agency pollution rules. While some focused on lowering pump prices, other Republicans called for continued or escalated action against Iran. One stated that finishing pressure on the IRGC would be preferable despite the fuel cost consequences.
