Staten Island’s Rep Introduces Legislation To Pause Gas Tax: New Yorkers, New Jerseyans Will Appreciate Lower Prices At Pump

Malliotakis Introduces Legislation to Temporarily Suspend Federal Gas Tax

Editor’s note: Staten Islander News has previously covered Senator Gillibrand’s statements on gas prices and the recent increases we have seen, which are continuing to rise.  The senator traveled to multiple gas stations in Upstate New York this past week, most of which have gas prices that are over $4 and continuing to increase.  She also traveled to a local dairy farm in the North Country that is likely suffering from increased costs due to rising gas prices, tariffs, and other market uncertainties driven by policies of the administration as being likely responsible.   Some of her press conferences will be put together into a video for our readers in the coming week or so.  When the president was recently asked if he was concerned about rising gas prices for consumers, he said, “”I don’t think about American financial situation — I don’t think about anybody. I think about one thing: We cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon.”  He has also expressed support for suspending the gas tax, though it is unknown how long it will actually take to get this legislation passed and made effective, if it is able to pass both the House and the Senate.  

(WASHINGTON, DC) — Congressmembers Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) and Max Miller (R-OH), members of the House Ways and Means Committee, introduced H.R. 8753, the Gas Tax Relief Act, legislation to help lower prices at the pump by temporarily suspending the federal gas tax.

The Gas Tax Relief Act would:

• Temporarily suspend the 18.4 cents-per-gallon federal tax on gasoline and the 24.4 cents-per-gallon federal tax on diesel fuel for 90 days after enactment.
• Gives the President authority to extend the suspension for up to an additional 125 days if he determines that economic conditions merit an extension.
• If the President determines that economic conditions warrant an extension, he may, during that 125-day period, incrementally restore the tax.
• The legislation replenishes the Highway Trust Fund and the Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST) Trust Fund by transferring money from the Treasury’s General Revenue Fund. This ensures that infrastructure funding and the cleanup of petroleum leaks from underground storage tanks are not negatively impacted by the legislation.

By temporarily pausing this tax, the bill aims to provide immediate relief to drivers, small businesses, truckers, and families facing high fuel costs.

“Families, commuters, and small businesses across Staten Island, Brooklyn, and America feel the impact of fuel prices every day — whether it’s getting to work, bringing kids to school, making appointments, or keeping our economy moving,” said Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis. “Temporarily suspending the federal gas tax is a commonsense way to provide immediate relief at the pump and put more money back in the pockets of hardworking Americans. While we continue working toward long-term energy independence, we should be using every tool available to lower costs for hardworking Americans now.”

“The federal gas tax was created to build the Interstate Highway System, and that project is complete. It’s time for Washington to recognize that reality and temporarily suspend the federal gas tax,” said Congressman Max Miller. “This legislation would provide immediate relief at the pump for hardworking Americans while giving the President flexibility to extend the suspension if economic conditions warrant it.”

 

Banner Image: Gas station. Image Credit – Mehluli Hikwa