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President Biden’s push for a gas tax suspension amid soaring fuel prices is receiving a cool reception among Democrats on Capitol Hill.
Party leadership did not commit to taking up a gas tax moratorium, which requires an act of Congress, and the caucus remains largely divided on the issue.
But, even if Democrats were unified, pausing the tax would face an uphill battle in the Senate because of Republican opposition.
Biden on Wednesday officially endorsed the idea of a gas tax holiday – calling on Congress to suspend the 18-cent tax for 90 days — an attempt to offset high prices during the busy summer driving season.
But Congress does not seem to be heeding the call. Asked about gas tax suspension, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) indicated that the chamber would instead be focused on passing legislation targeting Big Oil.
“Senate Democrats tried to pass it recently and it was blocked by Republicans,” Schumer said of the gas tax break.