Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Russell Fry (SC-07) introduced the Presidential Emergency Action to Stabilize Energy (EASE) Act. When enacted, the EASE Act will allow the President of the United States to declare a national emergency to suspend the gas tax for up to 120 days. Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) is an original cosponsor of the EASE Act.

“All across the country, American families are feeling the pinch with rising fuel prices,” said Rep. Fry. “When gas prices reached $5 a gallon under President Biden in 2022, Democrat majorities in the House and Senate just sat on the sidelines and pretended that fuel prices weren’t real. I refuse to abandon families when they are feeling the pressure financially. I am proud to introduce the EASE Act to give much-needed relief to men and women who are doing their best to make an honest living and put food on their tables. I look forward to Congress passing this bill so President Trump can give families the help they desperately need.”

“Families and businesses across the country feel the impact of higher fuel prices in their everyday budgets, and I am grateful to support this legislation, which provides an important tool to offer temporary relief for Americans,” said Rep. Wilson.

Under the EASE Act, the President would be required to issue a declaration of a national emergency caused by, or the potential to cause, a substantial disruption in the nation’s fuel supply. The initial federal gas tax suspension period would be 60 days. On day 45 of the suspension, the President can extend the relief for an additional 60 days by notifying Congress in writing that the emergency is continuing. The suspension cannot exceed 120 days, and the President may issue only one suspension per emergency.  

The President can also declare an emergency when fuel prices increase substantially across the country. Declaration of the emergency gas tax suspension would bring the fuel tax rate to zero for gasoline and diesel fuel. The federal government will be required to make up lost tax revenue from the Treasury General Fund.

The EASE Act would not apply to any transaction after December 31, 2028.

Last month, Rep. Fry called on Congress to suspend the federal gas tax. President Trump and Energy Secretary Chris Wright have both supported lowering prices at the pump and called on Congress to suspend the gas tax temporarily. The EASE Act gives the administration tools to suspend that tax in light of a national fuel crisis.

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