President Trump said Monday he would like to suspend the federal gas tax to alleviate costs during the war with Iran.
Mr. Trump said gas prices would drop “like a rock” once the Middle East conflict was over, though he will push for a pause in the tax in the meantime.
The federal gas tax is 18.4 cents per gallon of gasoline and 24.4 cents per gallon of diesel.
“It’s a small percentage, but it’s, you know, it’s still money,” Mr. Trump said.
Suspending the tax requires congressional action. Some lawmakers said they are ready to act on Mr. Trump’s wishes.
“I’m introducing legislation today to suspend the gas tax,” Sen. Josh Hawley, Missouri Republican, posted on X.
Mr. Trump did not set a duration for a tax suspension, saying he would do it “’til it’s appropriate.”
Some Democrats have also shown an interest in pausing or lowering the federal gas tax, as the approaching midterm elections focus on affordability.
The national average price of a gallon of gas stood at $4.52 on Monday, according to the AAA motor club.
Prices have inched down a bit in recent days, but remain 52% higher than when the war started.
