Members of Congress have introduced several legislative proposals designed to provide relief from high gasoline and diesel prices, which have become a significant concern for voters ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. Roughly 47 percent of registered voters identified the cost of living as their most important voting consideration, according to a Reuters/Ipsos survey conducted in late August.
Fuel prices have experienced substantial increases in recent months, driven by elevated crude oil costs and supply disruptions stemming from ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and the Russia-Ukraine war. As of Tuesday, regular unleaded gasoline averaged approximately $4.48 per gallon nationwide, compared to $4.10 a month prior and $3.18 a year earlier. Diesel prices have similarly climbed to an average of about $6.53 per gallon, up from $5.59 the previous month and $3.69 annually.
Several distinct legislative approaches have been proposed to address affordability concerns. A bipartisan measure called the Lowering Commuting Costs Act would permit workers to claim a tax deduction of up to $4,080 annually for commuting-related expenses including gasoline, public transit, and tolls. Separately, legislation introduced by a Maryland Republican would temporarily suspend the federal excise tax on gasoline and diesel through the end of the year, which currently amounts to 18.4 cents and 24.4 cents per gallon respectively.
Additionally, a Tennessee lawmaker has proposed bills restricting diesel exports, with one establishing a prohibition through January 2027 and another triggering an automatic export ban when national average diesel prices reach $5 per gallon. However, policy analysts have raised concerns about the effectiveness and potential unintended consequences of these proposals. Tax experts note that the commuter deduction would not provide immediate relief and may offer limited benefits to lower-income taxpayers, while energy analysts warn that export restrictions could temporarily reduce Gulf Coast prices but may not address regional disparities and could ultimately constrain refinery operations and fuel supplies.
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