House Lawmakers Announce Sweeping Transportation Proposal Ahead of 2026 Deadline

Leaders of the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee have agreed on a bipartisan plan that would increase funding for roads, bridges, transit systems and rail projects across the country while changing how future infrastructure projects are paid for.

The legislation, called the BUILD America 250 Act, was announced by committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-Mo.), Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-Wash.) and Highways and Transit Subcommittee Chairman David Rouzer (R-N.C.).

The bill is intended to serve as the next multiyear surface transportation package before the current authorization expires Sept. 30, 2026, according to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

Lawmakers say the proposal would make the largest federal investment in bridges in U.S. history while also increasing support for highways, public transit, passenger rail, freight rail and highway safety programs.

The package is centered on rebuilding aging infrastructure and improving the movement of freight across the country. Committee leaders said the bill is designed to reduce congestion, strengthen supply chains and help goods move more efficiently through ports, border crossings and major freight corridors.

The legislation would also expand federal support for rural transportation projects while continuing investments in heavily traveled urban corridors.

The proposal includes rail safety reforms, updates to trucking regulations and what lawmakers described as the country’s first federal framework for autonomous commercial motor vehicles, according to the committee.

Another major piece of the legislation focuses on speeding up project delivery. Committee leaders said the bill would streamline permitting and environmental review processes that often delay large transportation projects for years and drive up costs.

The proposal also takes aim at the long-term financial problems facing the Highway Trust Fund, which helps pay for federal transportation projects.

According to the committee, the bill would create the first new user-based revenue stream for the trust fund in more than 30 years by requiring all highway users — including electric vehicle owners — to contribute toward maintaining the nation’s roads and bridges.

Supporters of the proposal said the current funding structure has become less sustainable as fuel-efficient and electric vehicles continue gaining market share.

In a separate statement released by David Rouzer’s congressional office, Rouzer said the legislation focuses on “commonsense fundamentals” and is aimed at making better use of taxpayer dollars on infrastructure projects.

Rouzer’s office said the committee spent about 18 months developing the legislation. During that process, lawmakers and transportation stakeholders submitted more than 11,000 policy requests. The committee also held multiple hearings and meetings with state transportation departments, contractors and industry organizations while drafting the bill.

Lawmakers said the BUILD America 250 Act is also tied to the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary, with the proposal framed as a long-term investment in the country’s infrastructure network and economic growth.

The legislation is expected to move through the committee process in the coming months as Congress works to complete a new transportation authorization package before the current law expires in 2026.

Sources: House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, David Rouzer’s congressional office