Democrats Propose Federal Gas Tax Holiday as Pump Prices Soar

May 11, 2026, 9:00 AM UTC

Democrats are leaning into midterm affordability concerns by proposing a federal gas tax holiday as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East sends prices at the pump skyrocketing.

Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) introduced the Gas Prices Relief Act (S. 4032), which would temporarily suspend the 18.4 cents-per-gallon federal gas tax through Oct. 1. Rep. Chris Pappas (D-N.H.) introduced companion legislation (H.R. 7919) in the House.

Gas tax holidays aren’t a new idea. The proposed federal bill mirrors efforts in states like New York, Alabama, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina, where lawmakers are considering similar measures. Indiana, Georgia ...

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