Scott, Vindman Unite in Support of Federal Gas Tax Suspension Amid Iran War
Republican Sen. Rick Scott and Democratic challenger Alex Vindman both back Trump’s proposal to suspend federal gas taxes as Florida drivers pay $4.36 per gallon amid Iran war.
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA — Republican Senator Rick Scott and Democratic Senate candidate Alex Vindman have found common ground in supporting President Trump’s proposal to suspend the federal gas tax as fuel prices surge during the ongoing war in Iran.
The bipartisan backing comes as Florida drivers face an average gas price of $4.36 per gallon as of Tuesday, according to AAA, while the national average sits at $4.50. The war in Iran has entered its third month, contributing to the price increases that Trump cited when announcing his desire to suspend the federal gasoline tax.
Federal Tax Suspension Requires Congressional Action
The federal gas tax currently stands at 18.4 cents per gallon for gasoline and 24.4 cents per gallon for diesel fuel. These federal taxes are in addition to Florida’s state taxes of 32 cents per gallon for motor fuel and 39 cents per gallon for diesel, according to the Florida Department of Revenue.
Any suspension of the federal tax would require Congressional approval, putting the proposal in the hands of lawmakers like Scott, who chairs a key Senate committee position.
Scott Draws on Gubernatorial Record
Senator Scott expressed strong support for the tax suspension during an interview with conservative podcaster Scott Jennings on Monday.
“I cut taxes a hundred times as governor,” Scott said. “I dramatically reduced the tax structure in my state when I was governor of Florida. We ought to do everything we can to reduce the costs to consumers. I grew up in a very poor family. We lived in public housing. I know the cost of living is hard. So, I think that we ought to do all of that.”
Scott characterized Trump’s proposal as a “good idea” that aligns with his track record of tax reduction during his tenure as Florida’s governor.
Democratic Challenger Echoes Support
Alex Vindman, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel seeking the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate, issued a press release Tuesday backing the federal gas tax suspension. His support creates an unusual moment of bipartisan agreement in what is expected to be a contentious Senate race.
“I’m hearing from Democrats, Independents, and Republicans alike about how surging gas prices are putting the squeeze on family’s budgets,” Vindman said in his statement.
Vindman also used the opportunity to criticize his potential opponent, referencing current officeholder Ashley Moody. “Ashley Moody has been happy to enrich herself and rubber stamp a war of choice in Iran that is raising gas prices,” he said. “I’ll do things differently — I’m fighting to lower costs for Florida families, and that starts with an immediate pause on the federal gas tax to provide immediate relief for Floridians.”
The Florida Phoenix reached out to Moody’s Senate office for comment but had not received a response as of publication.
The convergence of support from both sides of the political aisle reflects the mounting pressure lawmakers face as constituents grapple with rising fuel costs during the prolonged conflict in Iran.
