India, May 12 -- With national gas prices creeping toward $5 per gallon, the federal gas tax is back in the spotlight. President Donald Trump has said that he intends to suspend the 18 cents per gallon federal gas tax but it is a move that would require an act of Congress. Energy Secretary Chris Wright also signaled the administration's support, saying on NBC News' "Meet the Press" on Sunday: "All measures that can be taken to lower the price at the pump and lower the prices for Americans, this administration is in support of."

The federal gas tax currently stands at 18 cents per gallon, according to NBC News. It has not been raised since President Bill Clinton signed the last increase into law in 1993. After adjusted for inflation, that...