Sen. Fischer Address Gas Tax

In the March 17 edition of the Observer, U.S. Sens. Fischer and Sasse were asked about the chance of lifting the federal gasoline tax due to help offset surging fuel costs.

On March 29, Sen. Deb Fischer's office responded to the question about lifting the federal gas tax. Here is part of her response.:

“Russia has used energy exports to strengthen their economic and political influence over Europe for far too long. This is why in March of 2021, nearly a year before the invasion of Ukraine, I joined a group of my Republican colleagues in calling on the Biden administration to implement a comprehensive package of sanctions against the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project. More recently, I also voted in favor of restoring sanctions against the pipeline, standing firmly in support of the nation of Ukraine and other close partners in the region. I was glad to see Germany halt the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. The invasion of Ukraine has highlighted the need for our European allies to take the necessary steps to reduce their reliance on Russian energy.

“You also mentioned the gas tax. Since 1993, the federal government has maintained an excise tax on gasoline of 18.4 cents per gallon. The revenue from this tax goes to the Highway Trust Fund, which is the main source of financing for federal highway and mass transit projects. In recent months, state and federal lawmakers have proposed suspending state gasoline taxes and the federal gasoline tax. On February 9, 2022, Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) introduced S. 3609, the Gas Prices Relief Act. This bill would suspend the federal gasoline tax through the end of 2022.

“I understand the pressures Nebraskans are facing due to rising gasoline prices. I also believe any federal response must be measured, taking into consideration the potential negative impacts on important investments in our nation’s core infrastructure system. Please be assured I will keep your comments in mind as the Senate considers how best to provide inflationary relief for Americans.”