Some lawmakers call for federal gas tax suspension: What to know
A person pumps gas at a BP station on March 17, 2026 in the Kensington neighborhood of the Brooklyn borough in New York City. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
Amid inflated gas prices as a result of the conflict in Iran, some lawmakers have joined to introduce a new bill that would suspend the federal gasoline tax through October.
The bill, titled Gas Prices Relief Act of 2026, was introduced to the Senate last Friday.
What they're saying:
"This legislation temporarily suspends the federal gas tax, lowering high gas prices squeezing consumers and bringing much needed financial relief to American families," said Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn. "Trump’s war of choice with Iran is driving up gas prices across the country—and Americans shouldn’t have to bear the additional economic burden of Trump’s reckless decision making. With the Gas Prices Relief Act, we address rising costs plaguing Americans and ensure they are not footing the bill for Trump’s war with Iran."
What’s in the bill?
Dig deeper:
The proposal specifically targets the federal gas tax of 18.4 cents per gallon, according to a news release shared on Blumenthal’s official website.
The bill would also direct the treasury secretary to monitor the program and use available resources to ensure the benefits of the tax suspension are passed directly to consumers at the gas pump.
Additionally, it would direct funds to the Highway Trust Fund and the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund to protect critical infrastructure, the news release said.
What's next:
The proposal has been formally introduced in the House and referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means, according to Newsweek.
There, lawmakers will decide on whether to debate the bill or advance it to a vote.
The state of gas prices
By the numbers:
The national average of gas prices reached $3.79 gallon Tuesday, up 87 cents a gallon from a month ago, according to AAA.
The price for a barrel of benchmark U.S. crude rose 2.9% to settle at $96.21.
Brent crude, the international standard, climbed 3.2% to $103.42.
The Source: Information for this article was taken from The Associated Press, Newsweek, a news release published to Sen. Richard Blumenthal’s official website, and the Gas Prices Relief Act of 2026. This story was reported from San Jose.