President Trump seeks rare suspension of the federal gas tax

(The Center Square) – President Donald Trump said Monday he will move to suspend the federal gasoline tax as the national average price of a gallon remains above $4.50 amid ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran and stalled diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions.

Suspending the 18.4-cent-per-gallon federal gas tax, which has been unchanged for more than three decades, requires approval from Congress. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., and Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., said Monday they plan to introduce legislation to authorize a temporary suspension.

Hawley’s Gas Tax Suspension Act, introduced Monday afternoon, proposes a 90-day pause on both the 18.4-cent gasoline tax and the 24.4-cent diesel tax. The bill would also grant the president authority to extend the suspension for another 90 days if relief is still needed.

When the president was asked Monday afternoon how long the suspension would last, he provided no specifics, responding that the tax would not be reinstated “until it’s...