Transportation

HR 4756, the Freights First Act, amends federal rail law to prevent Amtrak passenger trains from receiving priority over freight trains on shared rail infrastructure. Specifically, it adds a new provision stating that Amtrak's intercity and commuter rail services shall not have preference over freight transportation at rail lines, junctions, or crossings within 50 miles of a port or rail yard. This directly affects Amtrak's scheduling and operations in those specific geographic areas. The bill changes a code section (49 U.S.C. § 24308(c)) to establish this limitation, without creating new funding or regulatory requirements.

H.J.Res. 88 disapproves an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule that would have allowed California to enforce its "Advanced Clean Cars II" vehicle emission standards. This rule, submitted by the EPA on January 6, 2025, sought to grant California a waiver to override federal preemption for its stricter vehicle pollution controls. The resolution, passed by Congress and signed into law on June 12, 2025, formally nullifies the EPA rule, preventing California from implementing its Advanced Clean Cars II program under this specific waiver. The bill directly affects California's ability to set its own vehicle emission standards for passenger cars and light trucks.

The Transportation Freedom Act would create a 200% tax deduction for wages paid to U.S. automobile manufacturing workers who meet specific requirements, including health care coverage and pension benefits. It repeals current emissions standards for light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty vehicles, as well as Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards. The bill establishes new standards for greenhouse gas emissions and fuel economy that must be "technologically feasible and economically practicable," requiring consultation with manufacturers and other stakeholders. It also eliminates existing emissions waivers and creates a process for adjusting standards based on market conditions.

H.J. Res. 87 (Public Law 119-15) is a congressional disapproval resolution that prevents an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule from taking effect. The rule, submitted by the EPA on April 6, 2023 (88 Fed. Reg. 20688), related to California’s authority to enforce stricter vehicle emission standards, including for heavy-duty trucks, zero-emission airport shuttles, and advanced clean truck requirements. By disapproving this rule, Congress blocks California from implementing these specific pollution controls under its existing waiver authority. This directly affects California’s ability to regulate motor vehicle emissions independently, as the rule would have allowed the state to enforce its own standards beyond federal requirements.

This bill (SJRES 47) seeks congressional disapproval of an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule that approved California's stricter vehicle pollution standards. Specifically, it targets the EPA's "Omnibus Low NOx Regulation" for motor vehicles and nonroad engines, which California had submitted for federal approval under waiver authority. If passed, the resolution would block this EPA rule from taking effect, preventing California's state-level pollution controls from being implemented under federal oversight.

HR 4361, the STOP China Act, prohibits the use of federal transportation funds to purchase vehicles or related infrastructure (like charging stations for buses) from companies linked to China. Specifically, it bans federal funding for "covered vehicles" made by entities owned or controlled by China (as defined by the bill), including those using Chinese-made electric powertrains. The U.S. Trade Representative must publish and update a public list of these banned entities within 30 days of the bill’s enactment, with updates every 90 days initially and annually thereafter. Exceptions apply only for vehicle safety testing, inspections, or research. The bill directly affects federal transportation projects and contractors receiving federal funds, requiring them to avoid procurement from listed Chinese-connected companies.

HR 3822, the "No Desire for Streetcars Act," prohibits federal funding for streetcar projects across multiple transportation programs. The bill amends four key transportation funding laws (surface transportation block grants, congestion mitigation grants, urbanized area grants, and fixed guideway capital grants) to explicitly ban the use of allocated funds for streetcar procurement, operation, or maintenance. This directly affects state and local governments receiving these federal grants, preventing them from using the funds for streetcar-related expenses. The legislation creates a clear, specific restriction on funding without altering other program provisions or making broader policy statements.

Transportation Freedom Act This bill reduces taxes on auto companies and repeals specified environmental regulations on cars and trucks. The bill establishes a new tax deduction equal to 200% of eligible wages paid or incurred by domestic producers of automobiles or automobile components, subject to limitations. It also allows an entity to reduce (and adjust) its financial statement income (for purposes of calculating liability for the alternative minimum tax) by the amount of eligible wages it elects to deduct. The bill nullifies the 2024 rules of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding (1) the finalization of specified greenhouse gas (GHG) programs and the reduction of emissions from certain light-duty and medium-duty vehicles (e.g., cars and trucks that are under a certain weight) starting with model year 2027, and (2) phase three of GHG emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles (e.g., school buses and tractor-trailer trucks). It also repeals the 2024 rules of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regarding corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards for certain cars, trucks, and vans.  Additionally, the bill eliminates (1) the option given to California to set standards for car emissions that are more stringent than those set under the Clean Air Act, and (2) the option for other states to adopt California's standards.  NHTSA and the EPA must establish new CAFE and GHG standards, respectively, for vehicles that are economically practicable and technologically feasible. The GHG standards may not require the production or sale of electric vehicles.

This resolution (HRES 27) expresses the U.S. House of Representatives' opposition to New York City's proposed Central Business District Tolling Program, which would charge drivers up to $23 per day to enter Manhattan south of 60th Street. It directly affects daily commuters, small businesses (particularly those still recovering from pandemic-related losses), low-income families, and students traveling into Manhattan. The resolution disapproves the program, urges New York State to conduct and publicly share an economic impact report, and recommends halting implementation. The tolling program is intended to generate $1 billion annually for the MTA's capital projects and operations, but critics argue it would impose significant costs on residents and businesses already facing high inflation.