Republican lawmakers are beginning to consider whether they should issue a pause on the federal gas tax, citing a surge in prices that has been primarily caused by the war in Iran.
Although Republicans have largely been opposed to pausing the federal tax, some lawmakers announced they would introduce legislation in the coming days to do just that after President Donald Trump publicly backed the idea on Monday. The effort comes as average gas prices sit just above $4.50 nationwide — more than a $1 increase compared to this time last year.
Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., said he would introduce legislation to suspend the tax on Monday, following through with stated plans earlier this year to explore all options to bring energy prices down. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., later said she would introduce a companion bill on the House side.
“American families need this relief on gas prices,” she said in a post on social media. “My office will be working directly with President Trump to ensure we deliver this win for the American people.”
The idea will need support from Republican leaders — even those who had previously expressed skepticism about the idea.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., acknowledged the idea has been elevated by members of his conference, telling reporters on Monday that “we’ll hear them out.”
“I think right now, the best thing that can happen for gas prices is for the Strait to get opened up again, shipping lines get opened up again,” Thune said.
Trump told CBS News on Monday that his administration has plans to “take off the gas tax for a period of time,” which would later be phased back in “when gas goes down.”
“I think it’s a great idea,” he told the outlet.
Suspending the gas tax would require approval from Congress, where Republican lawmakers have been hesitant to touch the tax rate because it could cost the federal government millions of dollars. But with the war in Iran dragging on and negotiations over reopening the Strait of Hormuz stalling, lawmakers are eager to find a way to lower costs — particularly ahead of a midterm election that will likely be focused on affordability issues.
Some Democrats have similarly called for suspending the federal gas tax in recent weeks, potentially giving the proposal the bipartisan support needed to pass.