A Democratic bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is called the Gas Prices Relief Act of 2026. It temporarily sets the gasoline tax rate to zero and stops the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund financing rate for gasoline from the date the Act is enacted until October 1, 2026. The bill requires the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer money from the general fund to the Highway Trust Fund and the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund to make up for the lost tax amounts. It also states the policy of Congress that consumers should immediately receive the benefit of these tax reductions through lower fuel prices. Transportation motor fuels producers and other dealers who fail to reduce their prices will face monetary penalties at least equal to the tax reduction that should have been passed on. Finally, the Secretary of the Treasury is directed to enforce that consumers receive these tax reduction benefits.
Yes· 3 of 17
- Scored +8
Is this likely to lower the price at the pump?
The core purpose of the bill is to provide a temporary holiday on gasoline taxes to lower pump prices for consumers.
- Scored +5
Does this cut taxes for middle-income families?
The bill temporarily eliminates the federal gasoline tax, reducing the tax burden on middle-class drivers.
- Scored +4
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?
Lower-income households spend a higher proportion of income on transportation fuels, benefiting from the tax holiday.
The opposite
- Scored -2
Does this make the government pay for what it commits to?
The bill requires general fund transfers to cover trust fund shortfalls, bypassing standard revenue collection.
- Scored -2
Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change?
Lowering gasoline prices could potentially encourage higher fossil fuel consumption.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Section 2(a): This section sets the gasoline tax rate and the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund financing rate to zero for gasoline sold before October 1, 2026. This might be considered positive because it temporarily removes these specific taxes on gasoline for the people.
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Section 2(c): This section states it is the policy of Congress that consumers immediately receive the benefit of the tax reduction through reduced transportation motor fuels prices. Dealers and producers who fail to pass these savings on will face monetary penalties of at least the tax reduction amount, and the Secretary of the Treasury must enforce this. This could be considered positive because it aims to hold sellers accountable and put money back into the pockets of the people.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
Based on the provided text, there are no explicitly stated negative impacts or burdens for individuals or groups of people in the United States.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Lower-income households spend a higher proportion of income on transportation fuels, benefiting from the tax holiday. Would middle-income households be better off under this? — Middle-class households experience immediate financial relief on everyday driving expenses. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — Rural residents often drive longer distances and benefit significantly from reduced gasoline prices. Would farmers be better off under this? — Farmers who rely heavily on motorized equipment and transport vehicles benefit from lower fuel prices. Would people in middle age be better off under this? — Middle-aged commuters benefit directly from lower gasoline prices. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — Young adults who drive frequently will benefit from short-term relief at the pump. Would business owners be better off under this? — Business owners with fleet vehicles or transport needs benefit from reduced fuel costs. Would retired people be better off under this? — Retirees who drive regularly save money on fuel during the tax holiday. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — Fixed-income seniors who drive see some relief in living expenses from lower fuel costs. Would students be better off under this? — Commuting students experience some relief from lowered transportation costs. Would people in cities be better off under this? — Urban drivers and commuters benefit from reduced fuel costs. Would high-income households be better off under this? — High-income households receive minor savings on fuel, though the impact is negligible relative to total income.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this cut taxes for middle-income families? — The bill temporarily eliminates the federal gasoline tax, reducing the tax burden on middle-class drivers. Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices? — The bill includes enforcement mechanisms and penalties to ensure fuel producers pass tax savings onto consumers. Is this likely to slow the rise in prices? — Lowering gasoline prices temporarily can help ease broader inflationary pressures on consumers. Does this make the government pay for what it commits to? — The bill requires general fund transfers to cover trust fund shortfalls, bypassing standard revenue collection.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Is this likely to lower the price at the pump? — The core purpose of the bill is to provide a temporary holiday on gasoline taxes to lower pump prices for consumers. Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change? — Lowering gasoline prices could potentially encourage higher fossil fuel consumption.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill grants federal authorities enforcement power over fuel pricing and penalties.
- 3/9/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
4 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Richard BlumenthalDemocrat · Connecticut