Lower Fuel Taxes?
WASHINGTON -- President Bush, who did not support lowering the gas tax during his campaign or last year's energy crisis, said this week he is open to the idea. But aides said he has no plans to pursue it.
In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Bush was asked about the possibility of lowering the 18-cents-a-gallon federal portion of the gasoline tax. "We'll look at all options," he said.
Last May, White House press secretary Ari Fleischer said while he would not rule out Bush support for such a measure, "his focus is on long-term solutions, not quick fixes." Because the gas tax pays for highway projects beloved by lawmakers, a reduction or repeal would face overwhelming opposition.
In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Bush was asked about the possibility of lowering the 18-cents-a-gallon federal portion of the gasoline tax. "We'll look at all options," he said.
Last May, White House press secretary Ari Fleischer said while he would not rule out Bush support for such a measure, "his focus is on long-term solutions, not quick fixes." Because the gas tax pays for highway projects beloved by lawmakers, a reduction or repeal would face overwhelming opposition.