Lawmakers Clash Over Trump Gas Tax Suspension as Prices Hit $4 a Gallon Amid Iran Conflict

Capitol Hill lawmakers clashed over President Donald Trump's proposal to suspend the federal gas tax as prices climbed past $4 a gallon amid the conflict with Iran.

Democrats pressed the president to end the war, while Republicans divided on whether the plan would provide real relief.

"He’s got to bring this war to an end if he wants these gas prices to come down," Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., said. "And he’s gotta stop this war and stop looking for other gimmicks."

"Why doesn’t he just end the Iran war, which is an illegal war, so that would take care of those issues?" Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, said. "He did not get authorization. It’s on President Trump. And the rise in gasoline and everything else, it’s on him."

The lawmakers spoke after Trump supported a temporary suspension of the federal gas tax on Monday. Escalating tensions with Iran drove fuel prices higher nationwide. Gas prices averaged $4.51 a gallon, and diesel prices hit $5.66 as of Wednesday, according to AAA.

"I mean we want to keep costs low," Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., said. "Higher gas prices add costs to groceries and everything else, and so I think it’s something worthy to consider, and I'd be amenable to it."

The suspension would cut the cost of each gallon of gasoline by 18.4 cents and each gallon of diesel by 24.4 cents.

Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., introduced legislation Monday to suspend the federal gas tax after Trump endorsed the idea. Hawley's Gas Tax Suspension Act would offer relief at the pump for at least 90 days, with an additional 90-day extension possible if prices stayed high.

Support for suspending the gas tax came from both parties, but other lawmakers suggested alternatives to tackle rising gas prices.

"I think that year-round E-15 is a better idea," Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., said. "Year-round, E-15 would bring down the price of gas maybe 30, 40 cents a gallon. You throw in our credit card bill, it would bring it down another dime, 15 cents a gallon. So I think those are probably two better ideas to do it."

E-15 is a cheaper, ethanol-blended gasoline barred from nationwide sales during summer months under U.S. Environmental Protection Agency pollution rules. Some Republicans, including Marshall, said year-round E-15 access would cut gas prices more than a tax suspension.

Some lawmakers sought to lower pump costs, while others called for maintaining or increasing pressure on Iran despite the price surge.

"Let’s finish Iran, the IRGC anyway, once and for all," Bacon said. "The Iranian people are great people, but their government is our enemy. They’ve been the most ruthless enemy that we’ve had over four decades."

"They should be pummeled," he said.

Bacon's remarks echoed Republicans who see the gas price surge as a result of confronting Iran. They warned that easing pressure could bring bigger risks.

"Iran with a nuclear weapon is a threat to America and the whole region," Bacon said.