Harris once called tax move a ‘stunt’
Editor,
This letter is being written as counterpoint to your article in the October 1, 2026, Bayside Gazette, about Rep. Andy Harris’ proposal to lower the gas tax. Be reminded that, that same Rep. Andy Harris termed that same proposal, then made by President Biden, as a “Stunt” in 2022, yet seeks that same relief at this point. When he recently proposed it during a late-night Republican meeting, he was called out by his own caucus members for his hypocrisy. He doesn’t make the national news often, but he got some play out of this tempest in a teacup.
Let’s review:
- In 2022 the Russians invaded Ukraine and the subsequent international sanctions disrupted the supply of crude oil and increased the crude costs by approximately 58%.
- The recovery from President Trump’s ham-fisted management of the Covid Pandemic resulted in increased demand both internationally and domestically.
- Reduced refinery capacity, which is a direct result of the Covid Pandemic, reduced the supply of gasoline and diesel fuel. Even though the refineries slowly can back online, it is not like a light switch. They rely on the supply chain to have crude to refine. That doesn’t work like a light switch either.
- With the increase in crude prices mentioned above, crude prices have a 50%-55% impact on the costs of refined fuels.
Taken together, these issues and other factors suggest that President Biden had a legitimate reason to seek a suspension of the gas tax. Rep. Harris now appears to be providing cover for a failed Iran war policy while reviving the familiar tactic of blaming Democrats for a situation they did not create. Perhaps it is time to consider someone like Dan Schwartz in this House of Representatives contest. He has demonstrated a willingness to be consistent on issues and with emphasis on owning the decisions he has made.
The election is Nov. 3, 2026. Keep this in mind.
Charles T. Tarr
Ocean Pines
(The writer is the president of the Democratic Club of Worcester County.)