Senators Vote Down Fuel Tax Relief

April 17, 2000 8:45 AM, EDT

With fuel prices falling and major road and aviation projects needing funds, the Senate voted 56-43 on April 11 not to roll back the 4.3-cent a gallon federal excise tax on diesel and gasoline.

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The bill advanced by Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-Miss.) and his supporters was in reaction to a push from business and trade associations for some relief from high fuel prices at pumps.

Critics said the removal of the tax would have taken away much-need construction dollars, leaving it up to states to grapple with how to fund major road projects.

Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) said the bill would not provide tax relief to those who most needed it. Instead, it would go to the oil producers and the saving would not be passed on to consumers, she told other her legislative colleagues.

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