Congressman Boyle proposes bill to suspend federal gas tax

Legislation would pause 18.4-cent tax when prices rise above $4 per gallon

Apr. 14, 2026 at 5:06pm

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A photorealistic painting of a lone gas pump in a dimly lit urban setting, with warm sunlight casting deep shadows across the scene, capturing a sense of quiet contemplation around the issue of rising fuel costs.As the debate over gas prices and industry subsidies heats up, a solitary gas pump stands as a symbol of the financial burdens facing American drivers.Philadelphia Today

Northeast Philadelphia-based Congressman Brendan Boyle has introduced a bill that would suspend the federal gasoline tax of 18.4 cents per gallon when the national average price rises above $4 per gallon. Boyle says the move would provide relief to drivers as the conflict with Iran continues, with highway funds replaced by cutting subsidies to oil and gas companies.

Why it matters

With gas prices remaining high due to geopolitical tensions, Boyle's proposal aims to offer direct financial relief to consumers at the pump. The bill faces an uphill battle in the divided Congress, but could gain bipartisan support if framed as a middle-class tax cut.

The details

Boyle's legislation would trigger the federal gas tax suspension when the national average price rises above $4 per gallon. The Democrat says the highway funds lost from the tax cut would be replaced by reducing subsidies to oil and gas companies. Boyle believes his bill has a better chance of passing than an existing proposal to suspend the gas tax until October 1.

  • Boyle introduced the bill on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

The players

Congressman Brendan Boyle

A Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives representing Pennsylvania's 2nd congressional district, which includes Northeast Philadelphia.

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What they’re saying

“We cannot wait for this war to end to deliver relief to the American people. Let's do it now and pass my legislation.”

— Congressman Brendan Boyle

“Here is a tax cut that is fully paid for and can deliver relief for the middle class and working people in this country. I am hopeful that you will see some Republicans join my effort, especially those, candidly, who are in more difficult seats.”

— Congressman Brendan Boyle

What’s next

The bill will now move to the House for consideration, where Boyle will need to build bipartisan support to pass the legislation.

The takeaway

Boyle's proposal to suspend the federal gas tax when prices rise above $4 per gallon aims to provide direct financial relief to consumers, but faces an uncertain path forward in the divided Congress. The bill's fate could hinge on whether Republicans see political value in supporting a middle-class tax cut measure.