Story perspectives

Candidates Urge Congress to Suspend Federal Gasoline Tax

By Drooid · Sep 22, 2026, 6:04 AM UTC · How we work

Left

Diesel export halt

U.S. Senate and gubernatorial candidates in September 2026 urged Congress to suspend the federal gasoline tax.
They say the tax hike harms low-income families and farmers, and Senator Chuck Grassley urged halting diesel exports to protect farmers.
Diesel reached a record $6.51 per gallon, raising costs for farmers and truckers.
Michigan gasoline averaged $4.48 per gallon, increasing household expenses.
Rep. Ashley Hinson called for E-15 fuel and a $1 biodiesel credit.

Right

Energy Price Relief

Senate candidate Mike Rogers of Michigan and Rep. Ashley Hinson of Iowa urged Congress in September 2026 to suspend gasoline taxes and halt U.S. diesel exports.
Ending the Iran war, he said, would sharply lower energy prices, making immediate tax relief essential for Michigan families.
Hinson proposed a diesel relief program to support Iowa farmers and truckers.
Rogers emphasized that Michigan families cannot wait for lower fuel prices.

Blindspot

Senate candidate Mike Rogers asserted that ending the war in Iran would cause national energy costs, including gasoline prices, to plummet dramatically.
Within this story's sources, this causal claim appears mainly in Right-leaning coverage and receives less attention in Left-leaning coverage.

History

Historical Context

In October 1973 OPEC, led by Saudi Arabia, imposed an oil embargo that cut exports to the United States and raised barrel prices nearly 300% to $12 by 1974. Nixon’s administration answered with rationing and price controls, yet gasoline lines persisted. Episode explains why lawmakers Michigan candidate Mike Rogers and Iowa Rep. Ashley Hinson push for tax relief while warning that without supply fixes inflation returns.

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Diesel export halt

U.S. Senate and gubernatorial candidates in September 2026 urged Congress to suspend the federal gasoline tax.
They say the tax hike harms low-income families and farmers, and Senator Chuck Grassley urged halting diesel exports to protect farmers.
Diesel reached a record $6.51 per gallon, raising costs for farmers and truckers.
Michigan gasoline averaged $4.48 per gallon, increasing household expenses.
Rep. Ashley Hinson called for E-15 fuel and a $1 biodiesel credit.

1 / 4