A bill to eliminate a 12% tax on heavy-duty trucks was reintroduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on March 27, 2025.

The big picture: The tax, originally set up in 1917 during World War I, adds up to $30,000 to the cost of a new truck.

• It's been called the highest excise tax on any product in the U.S., making new trucks pricey.
• This charge pushes truckers to hang onto older, less efficient models rather than upgrading.

Why it matters: Dropping this tax could help truckers get newer, safer trucks.

• New trucks could mean cleaner air and less hassle on the road.

Rep. Doug LaMalfa said the tax no longer funds highway projects as intended, calling it a "wartime measure" that's out of date.

Endorsement: The American Trucking Associations supports killing the tax, saying it burdens truckers, especially smaller operators.

• Chris Spear, ATA President, noted, "Removing this outdated tax helps small fleets and family businesses."

This effort follows previous attempts to scrap the tax, which have so far hit a wall in Congress.