Despite the fact that midterm elections are still 10 years away, Democrats in Congress have been worried about their prospects.
They’re not good. They are tired of COVID restrictions and worried about inflation.
Politicians often think of ways to divert attention from their problems when they get in trouble. The 18-cent-per-gallon federal tax on gas is being suspended by Democrats in Congress to reduce the high price of gas.
The $40 billion that the gas tax generates would be lost, which will increase the federal deficit. Some members of Congress suggested taking money from other lines to keep the Highway Trust Fund afloat. At this point, though, who cares? But what’s $40 billion, when Democrats (and Republicans alike) have been adding trillions to the federal budget gap?
Democrats also plan to challenge the Treasury Department to ensure that the oil and gas giants return the savings to consumers. Party lawmakers also proposed moving federal money to the federal highway fund. This fund is normally funded through the per gallon federal fees. The trust fund, which raked in $39.5 billion in 2019, is in deficit due to an annual shortfall. This is partly due to the fact that the gas tax has remained the same since 1993, while some consumers have switched to electric vehicles, which are not subject to the same fees.
According to two sources familiar with the matter, Democratic Senate leaders have privately considered the idea. They spoke under the condition that they not be identified in order to discuss the discussions. Kelly was also planning to pitch his fellow legislators at Tuesday’s regular caucus lunch, according to a third person.
A number of states are also considering suspending the gas tax.
This federal effort is in line with similar efforts by Republican and Democratic governors, as well as state legislators, who have explored gas tax holidays for their states this year that would reduce local levies at pump. Celinda Lake is a Democratic pollster who worked with Biden and said that the idea was “very popular” at the state level.
The White House has no idea what it’s like to go to the grocery store each week and have to pay more for almost everything. They don’t feel as connected to rising prices as parents do about public schools or teachers’ unions.
The price of gasoline at the pump this year is 1 dollar more than in 2021. There is no indication that prices will fall anytime soon.
