GOP leaders mull gas tax suspension as momentum grows

Speaker Mike Johnson called suspending the federal gas tax “an intriguing idea” but didn’t commit to a timeline as momentum builds in both chambers to take action.

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“You have to look at any unintended consequences and evaluate all that, so I’m not yet ready to project it,” Johnson told Bloomberg Government on Tuesday. “But I certainly find it to be an intriguing idea.”

Both Republicans and Democrats are pushing for a gas tax freeze to bring down prices at the pump.

Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) said he hasn’t supported previous suspension measures in the past, but “if the president wants to make that case, I think we’re all willing to hear it.”

The Senate majority leader noted suspending the tax has implications for the Highway Trust Fund and questioned if the benefits would get passed on to consumers.

“It’s a conversation that we’re willing to have,” Thune said at a Tuesday press conference.

As midterm elections approach, U.S. gas prices have surged to $4.50 a gallon this week, according to American Automobile Association data. President Donald Trump told CBS News Monday he wanted to suspend the 18.4-cent gas tax “until it’s appropriate.” The measure could save consumers 10 to 16 cents a gallon when they fill up, but remains controversial because the tax funds roads and bridges and hasn’t kept pace with inflation.

Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) introduced legislation to suspend federal taxes on gas and diesel for 90 days shortly after Trump backed the idea. The bill would allow the president to extend the suspension for an additional 90 days.

Some Democrats, led by Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), previously proposed a temporary freeze to bring some relief to drivers, messaging to voters that want to address energy affordability concerns.