This bill changes how unobligated funds from two federal transportation programs must be used. It restricts National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program funds to highway construction, bridge repairs, wildlife crossing structures, and commercial vehicle parking projects, while blocking prior uses. It also redirects unused charging infrastructure grant funds to states proportionally based on their existing highway funding apportionments. All funds remain available until their original expiration date and cannot replace other state transportation funding. The bill applies to both current unobligated funds and future fiscal year allocations under these programs.
HR 6635, the Bus Operator Safety and Security Act, requires new fixed-route buses over 30 feet long (with a 10+ year lifespan) purchased using federal transit funds to have physical barriers at the driver's workstation. These barriers must extend from floor to ceiling, fully enclose the workstation to block entry of people or objects, and not obstruct the driver's view. Transit agencies must install these barriers within two years of the law's enactment, unless the labor union representing bus drivers agrees to waive the requirement. The rule applies only to new buses bought with federal funds (excluding those from rural transportation programs) and directly affects transit agencies and bus drivers operating large fixed-route vehicles.
HR 4699, the BIKE Act of 2025, requires federal grant funding to support bicycle safety education programs for elementary and secondary school students. It mandates the Secretary of Transportation to revise Highway Safety Program Guideline No. 14 to include specific provisions for teaching bicycling skills, traffic rules, road navigation, safety precautions, and helmet use. The revised guidelines must be developed with input from educators and disseminated to state education agencies for integration into school curricula. This bill directly affects public school students and school districts through new safety education requirements and federal funding opportunities.
HR 3647, the SAFE CROSS Act, requires the Federal Railroad Administration to study AI-enabled sensors at rail crossings. The study, to be completed within one year of the bill's enactment, will examine existing pilot programs, compare costs and benefits against alternatives like grade separations, and identify best practices. Results must be published publicly within 30 days, including recommendations for federal, state, tribal, local governments, and private entities responsible for rail crossing safety. This bill does not implement sensors but directs a review of their potential safety benefits and challenges.
This bill amends federal transportation funding laws to include the District of Columbia as a recipient of existing grant programs previously excluding it. Specifically, it adds "the District of Columbia" to formulas for bus grants (49 U.S.C. §5339), apportionment for growing/high-density states (49 U.S.C. §5340), culvert replacement grants (49 U.S.C. §6703), and safe streets grants (Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act §24112). These changes allow the District to access federal transportation funds on equal footing with states for projects like bus services, road infrastructure, and culvert repairs. The bill does not create new funding but adjusts eligibility in current programs to remove DC's exclusion.
The LIFT Act of 2025 streamlines regulations for drone and eVTOL (electric air taxi) operations in the U.S. It requires the Transportation Secretary to create new safety rules enabling routine drone flights beyond visual range (BVLOS) within six months and use AI to speed up approval requests for drone waivers. The bill also establishes a 3-year pilot program giving grants to state, local, tribal, and territorial governments to test eVTOL operations - prioritizing projects using U.S.-manufactured drone technology and focusing on applications like medical response and cargo transport. This directly affects drone operators, local governments implementing air mobility projects, and U.S. drone manufacturers by accelerating regulatory approvals and funding for safe integration into national airspace.
HR 3931, the Kids on the Go Act of 2025, requires states to appoint a "Safe routes to school coordinator" for transportation projects. If a state hires such a coordinator, the federal government will cover 95% of eligible project costs under the relevant transportation program (previously a lower percentage). This bill directly affects state transportation agencies and school districts receiving federal funds for safe routes to school initiatives. The key change is the increased federal funding rate tied to the coordinator position, aiming to improve student safety during school commutes. The bill does not mandate hiring but offers a significant funding incentive for states that choose to implement this role.
The Sustainable Aviation Fuel Act establishes national goals for reducing aviation greenhouse gas emissions, aiming for a 35% reduction by 2035 and net zero by 2050 compared to 2005 levels. It creates a low-carbon fuel standard requiring a 20% reduction in carbon intensity by 2030 and 50% by 2050, with a credit system allowing producers of sustainable aviation fuel to generate credits for sale to those who don't meet the standard. The bill requires the Department of Defense to purchase at least 10% sustainable aviation fuel for military aircraft by 2025 if cost-competitive and produced domestically. It also provides funding for research through the FAA and Department of Energy, and extends tax credits for sustainable aviation fuel production through 2032.
HR 3663, the Bridge Protection Act, requires owners of bridges built before 1996 over navigable water to conduct vessel collision vulnerability assessments using a specific method. If assessments show high risk, owners must develop and implement a risk reduction plan within one year; failure to do so after October 1, 2026, makes them ineligible for federal bridge grants (unless granted an extension). The bill also establishes an interdisciplinary bridge safety team to oversee compliance and maintain a national vulnerability database, and creates a $500 million competitive grant program (2026-2030) to fund assessments and physical improvements for these older bridges. This directly affects state and local bridge owners managing pre-1996 structures.
HRES 468 designates June 1-7, 2025, as "National Trailer Safety Week" in the U.S. to promote education about safe towing practices for light- and medium-duty trailers. The resolution supports existing efforts by the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers to educate American motorists on proper trailer maintenance, inspection, and towing techniques. It does not create new laws but expresses congressional backing for this annual awareness campaign, which aims to reduce road incidents by engaging dealers, manufacturers, and end-users. The initiative directly targets motorists who tow trailers, aligning with a program that reaches hundreds of thousands annually.
