This week, U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, D-Fla., showcased her support of U.S. Rep. Tom O’Halleran’s, D-Ariz., “Gas Prices Relief Act.”
The bill would suspend the 18.4 cents federal gas tax until the end of 2022.
“Even small price increases make a painful dent for rural and tribal families in our district, where Arizonans oftentimes traverse more miles than anywhere else in the country to get to the grocery store, get to the pharmacy or see their doctor, and get to work and school—destinations that those living in bigger cities and towns often travel only blocks to reach,” said O’Hallera when he introduced the bill. “By suspending the federal gas tax through the end of the year, we’re working to provide Arizona families with relief at the gas pump—18 cents per gallon—and to lower shipping costs across the board, which will help keep prices of milk, bread, meat, and other important groceries for families down.”
Cherfilus-McCormick was an original co-sponsor of the proposal. There are currently more than 15 co-sponsors including Cherfilus-McCormick and U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist, D-Fla.
“The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain bottlenecks incurred by recent Omicron variant surges have had a harmful effect on our nation’s economy, driving up prices at the gas pump and the grocery store. In February, the Consumer Price Index rose 7.5 percent from one year ago, the largest increase in 40 years,” Cherfilus-McCormick said on Wednesday. “Even small price increases make a painful dent for families in my district. By suspending the federal gas tax through the end of the year, we will provide Florida families with relief at the gas pump—18 cents per gallon—and to lower shipping costs across the board, which will help keep prices of milk, bread, meat, and other important groceries for families down.
“I am glad to see this legislation to lower gas prices for Floridians is gaining momentum and more support. My constituents in the 20th Congressional District are feeling the strain of higher gas prices and other rising costs. I look forward to working with the growing coalition to get this over the finish line and deliver relief for Florida families,” she added.
The bill is before the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee. U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., is championing the companion bill in the U.S. Senate.
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