Audio articles are automated for accessibility. Humans wrote and edited the story; however, this audio has not been reviewed for accuracy and may contain errors. Read more about how we use AI to increase access to our reporting. Scott Colom, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate, is calling for a t emporary suspension of the federal 18.4-cents-a-gallon gasoline tax as fuel prices continue to climb.  “Mississippi families are watching their gas and grocery costs increase while their paychecks stay the same, all while healthcare becomes more expensive and inaccessible because of Cindy Hyde-Smith,” Colom said in a statement, referring to the Republican incumbent.  Any suspension of the federal gasoline tax would require an act of Congress, and a president cannot unilaterally suspend the federal tax. READ MORE: Reeves waives diesel tax enforcement after Trump order Colom’s announcement comes after Gov. Tate Reeves on Tuesday said that Mississippi would not enforce prohibitions against using un-taxed diesel meant for farm equipment in highway transport trucks, after President Donald Trump signed an executive order to try to lower the soaring cost of diesel.  Colom also aired a new ad on Wednesday as part of a seven-figure ad campaign, highlighting rising fuel and goods costs and advocating a raise to the federal minimum wage.  ...read more read less