Incoming Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg suggested raising the federal gas tax to fund infrastructure initiatives. He made the announcement at his confirmation hearing before the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee.
Florida Republican Senator Rick Scott asked Buttigieg if he would support a federal gas tax increase to pay for the Highway Trust Fund.
Buttigieg responded, “Well, I think all options need to be on the table. As you know, the gas tax has not been increased since 1993, and it’s never been pegged to inflation. And it’s one of the reasons why the current state of the Highway Trust Fund is that there’s more going out than coming in.”
The federal gas tax is currently 18.4 cents per gallon, according to the Tax Policy Center. The rate was raised 10 times between 1933 and 1993, but has not been increased since then.
Buttigieg then raised questions about the long-term effectiveness of a gas tax increase, given the growing trend towards renewable sources of energy.
“In the long term, we need to bear in mind also that as vehicles become more efficient and as we pursue electrification, sooner or later there will be questions about whether the gas tax can be effective at all,” he said.
But Buttigieg did say that he would consider “revisiting the gas tax, adjusting it or connecting it to inflation” in the short term.
Utah Republican Senator Mike Lee brought up the issue a second time during the confirmation hearing. Buttigieg again responded with the idea of a gas tax increase. However, he did not say for sure whether or not he would propose one.
“Well it’s possible,” he said. “Certainly many states have taken that step, including my own, but it’s not the only approach.”
“Certainly one of the concerns with the gas tax is it’s likely not as progressive as the federal income tax, for example,” Buttigieg added.
No , hell just tell us to plug holes where gas emissions come from
Like he does
Of course he will not raise the federal gas tax. Remember he will only do what is good for the American people. He would never harm us in that way.
I don’t want to hear one demorat complain about raising taxes cause that’s all sleepy Joe an his part want to do.
If there is a existing tax dems will raise it, if not dems will create a new tax. The one thing dems and government is good at. Then again there are always fees to be raised or created. Skips that messy having to take responsibility for actions.
He can’t, but the Democrat Congress can. Wait for Biden’s voters see the results. Tell me again, what does the term “regressive tax” mean.
People who drive the streets and highways should pay for their upkeep. I f the raise in the gas tax is used for the roads, highways and interstate repair and upkeep, I think most Americans would be for that. However, politicians see extra money and they want to use it for other items.
If the tax is approved, make sure you representative(s) have in the bill the money raised can only go for roads, bridges and infrastructure nothing else
If he does raise the gas tax, what good is any stimulus, if you have to spend it on the increased cost of gasoline? He will be doing NO ONE ANY FAVORS………obviously, what the hell does he care? He’s another useless piece of shit appointed to the new administration that obviously is not done FUCKING the American public….my opinion
The only thing Democrats know besides Cheating, Lying and to blame others is Raising taxes
He was the mayor of some small hick town. No experience in business or government. He’s a joke and the Dems will soon find out, unless they really are as stupid as I think they are. What a gang of commies. I hope they all fail, and Americans see them for what they are
Do electric car owners get a free ride?
His history of transportation knowledge appears to be gleaned from Lionel, Hasbro, Matchbox, Hot Wheels and Tonka !! These are the type of qualifications that the Biden cadre is searching out. “We strive for low level mediocrity” is their mantra.
With all of the new climate change legislation and executive dictates. Here is one view. Co2 is cut earth either continues heating to the point we can’t live on the surface any more and solar plants cover 2/3 of land area on the planet.
Or it cools, goes into ice age solar panels covered with snow and ice. Meantime no oil, no tires, chemicals made from petroleum for medical plastics are gone, glass production dies, asphalt and cement are no longer produced. The world returns to the stone age after multiple wars.
These people are all nutz.
Taxes are the reason gas is as high as it is. So, it looks like they are not using those taxes as they should be. They will raise the tax higher to cover up their misuse of the taxes being charged already. Like the cigarette tax. A pack used to cost 25 cents and is now 5 dollars to 8 dollars a pack. Where is that tax money going? This is just another political scam and lie. They are sticking that money into their pockets. Get a clue America, politics means crook.
The best part of Peter ran down his mamas leg. He is a absolute idiot. He has no business being in politics or a government position. He a a morally inept stupid man . Bidens picks along with his hate for America is coming out very fast. God help us all.
That idiot better not raise gas taxes. Another idiot jackass DEMORAT. We need to get rid of all of them starting with Creepy Joe, KamelFace Harris and old nasty hag Pelosi. Let’s drain the Swamp of all the nasty, scummy DEMORATS!!! Time to take this country back from the DEMORATS!!! LEWT’S MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!!