House Freedom Caucus Chair Rep. Andy Harris, R-Md., is pushing to force a vote on legislation that would suspend the federal gas tax for the rest of 2026.
Harris told the Daily Signal the measure would deliver 'immediate relief' to American taxpayers. He said, 'Families and truckers need some immediate relief from the high cost of fuel to drive to work or haul goods across this country.'
As it stands, Americans pay an extra 18.4 cents per gallon for gasoline and 24.4 cents per gallon for diesel under the federal tax.
Harris' office said it is optimistic the bill will get a floor vote before the House leaves for recess. The office also said fellow conservative lawmakers will help push the legislation to a vote.
The House is expected to finish votes before the end of the week and then recess until after the midterm elections.
Why it matters: Fuel taxes are paid at the pump, but the burden lands on workers, families and truckers. Suspending the tax would mean less money flowing to Washington and more cash staying in private hands.
The bottom line: This is a straightforward fight over who gets first claim on fuel spending — taxpayers or the federal government. For Harris and his allies, the answer is obvious: let drivers keep more of what they earn.