Transportation

in committee · United States · House Jul 23, 2026

HR 9896: WINGS Act of 2026

The WINGS Act of 2026 expands federal financial aid eligibility to cover specific aviation training expenses for students enrolled in qualifying aviation programs at colleges and universities. Under this bill, students could use federal funds to pay for costs such as flight simulator hours, aircraft instruction, aviation training materials, and licensing exam fees. The legislation defines eligible programs as those offering associate's or bachelor's degrees in aviation-related fields and includes professional degree programs that meet specific regulatory training standards. These changes would take effect on July 1, 2027, allowing students to access financial support for practical aviation training components starting with the 2027-2028 award year.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill expands federal financial aid for aviation training, enhancing educational access and funding for higher education programs.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill expands federal funding for aviation training, directly supporting transportation education and workforce development.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Financial Aid Airports

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in committee · United States · Senate Jun 24, 2026

S 4928: COVID–19 Commuter Benefits Distribution Act

The COVID-19 Commuter Benefits Distribution Act allows employees to receive a one-time tax-free payment from their employer-sponsored commuter benefit accounts to help cover transportation costs during the pandemic. This benefit is available to workers who have pre-tax savings in these accounts and is limited to the highest balance they held between March 13, 2020, and December 31, 2023. The legislation requires that this specific payment be treated as taxable income for the employee, while ensuring that the remaining funds in the account continue to qualify for tax-free use.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill provides a one-time tax-free payment to employees to cover transportation costs, expanding worker benefits during the pandemic.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill provides tax-free or taxable one-time payments to help cover transportation costs during the pandemic, directly supporting commuter benefits.75% confidence

Track

in committee · United States · House Jun 23, 2026

HR 9409: Remote Control Locomotives Safety Improvement Act of 2026

This bill, the Remote Control Locomotives Safety Improvement Act of 2026, prohibits railroads from operating trains on main lines or outside rail yards using remote control locomotives without a human engineer physically present in the lead locomotive's cab. It mandates that any train moving on a main line must be led by a certified engineer inside the cab and explicitly excludes remote control operators from performing these duties. To enforce these rules, the Federal Railroad Administration must conduct mandatory audits of Class I railroads within 180 days and perform unscheduled inspections of other carriers within a year, while violations can result in civil penalties of up to one percent of annual income or $1 million per day.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill mandates a human engineer must be physically present in the cab, directly protecting worker safety and employment standards.90% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBill restricts the use of remote control locomotives, limiting the adoption of remote operation technology in rail transport.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enhances transportation safety by mandating human engineers on main lines, preventing remote control operations that could compromise safety.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Rail

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passed · United States · House Jul 14, 2026

HR 9391: Reimbursable Screening Services Program Extension Act of 2026

The Reimbursable Screening Services Program Extension Act of 2026 extends and expands a federal program that reimburses states for conducting aviation security background checks. The bill directly affects federal and state agencies responsible for vetting airline employees by allowing the program to operate through fiscal year 2031 instead of ending in 2026. Additionally, it increases the maximum number of reimbursable screening services that can be provided annually from eight to 14. This legislation aims to maintain and slightly increase the capacity for background investigations without changing the underlying requirements for who must be screened.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill extends and expands a federal program by increasing funding limits and duration for aviation security background checks.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill extends and expands federal funding for aviation security background checks, enhancing transportation safety and security infrastructure.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Airports

Track

in committee · United States · House Jul 14, 2026

HR 9317: BUSES Act

The BUSES Act establishes a national minimum standard requiring that restrictions on bus engine idling cannot last for less than 15 minutes, applying to both over-the-road and school buses. This rule prevents states and local governments from enforcing shorter idling limits through their existing air quality plans. Additionally, the legislation prohibits private citizens from suing bus owners or operators for violating these idling rules and bans state programs that pay individuals for reporting such violations.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBill restricts states from enforcing shorter bus idling limits, which hinders local air quality and energy efficiency efforts.75% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill prevents states from enforcing shorter idling limits, likely increasing emissions and weakening air quality protections.90% confidence ✗ TransportationOpposes TransportationBill restricts local air quality plans and bans citizen lawsuits regarding bus idling, limiting regulatory flexibility and enforcement.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Air Quality Public Transit Roads & Highways

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in committee · United States · House Jun 24, 2026

HR 9250: Great American Outdoors Act 250

This bill redesignates the existing National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund as the America's Legacy Restoration Fund to address deferred maintenance on federal lands. It directs revenue from recreation fees and a portion of energy development income into the fund, which must be used primarily for repairing critical infrastructure like roads, trails, and buildings managed by agencies such as the National Park Service and the Forest Service. The legislation establishes strict rules requiring that most funds go toward non-transportation projects, mandates transparency through public dashboards tracking project status, and sets aside a small percentage for matching private donations. Additionally, the bill increases entrance fees for foreign visitors to ensure they contribute to the fund, while prohibiting the use of these specific funds for land acquisition or employee bonuses.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill establishes a dedicated funding mechanism for federal land maintenance using recreation fees and energy income, directly strengthening fiscal management for public services.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill funds infrastructure repair on federal lands, directly supporting conservation and environmental protection.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill funds repair of critical infrastructure including roads and trails managed by federal agencies, directly advancing transportation maintenance.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Forestry Parks & Recreation Public Lands

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passed · United States · House Jul 14, 2026

HR 9328: Improving Travel for Military Members Act

The Improving Travel for Military Members Act directs the Transportation Security Administration to create a pilot program that allows active-duty military personnel and their families to use expedited security lanes at select airports. This initiative requires that all participants still undergo standard vetting checks and mandates that security staff verify eligibility before allowing access to these faster lanes. The program will prioritize airports located near military bases with large numbers of stationed troops and must operate for a period of three years. Additionally, the TSA Administrator is required to provide a briefing to Congress on the program's progress within nine months of its launch.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill creates a pilot program for expedited security lanes, enhancing travel efficiency for military personnel within the transportation sector.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Airports

Track

in committee · United States · House May 26, 2026

HR 9036: American High-Speed Rail Act

The American High-Speed Rail Act expands federal funding and streamlines regulations to support the development of high-speed and higher-speed rail projects across the United States. It authorizes billions of dollars in grants for corridor planning, technology improvements, and construction, while allowing the federal government to cover up to 100% of project costs under specific conditions. The bill also introduces new provisions to facilitate land acquisition, prioritize border projects, and extend labor protections to workers involved in federally funded rail infrastructure. Additionally, the legislation defines higher-speed rail as trains traveling between 110 and 186 miles per hour and includes tax incentives for rail carriers that sell or lease property to support these projects.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly authorizes billions in federal grants to fund high-speed rail projects, directly advancing the budget topic through increased government spending.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentHigh-speed rail reduces reliance on fossil-fuel-powered cars and trucks, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable transportation.75% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill explicitly expands federal funding and streamlines regulations for high-speed rail projects, directly advancing transportation infrastructure.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Rail

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in committee · United States · House May 19, 2026

HR 8894: Passenger Rail Crew Protection Act

The Passenger Rail Crew Protection Act makes it a federal crime to assault or interfere with employees working on or around passenger trains, including engineers, conductors, and station staff. This law prohibits actions that hinder crew members from doing their jobs or reduce their ability to perform safety-sensitive duties. Penalties range from fines and up to six months in jail for minor offenses to up to 20 years in prison if the assault involves a weapon, intent to commit murder, or results in serious bodily injury. The bill directly affects anyone onboard a train or at a station serving passenger rail lines by establishing specific legal consequences for such interference.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens criminal justice by creating new federal crimes to protect public safety and crew members, enhancing accountability for violent interference.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill criminalizes assault against rail crew, directly protecting worker safety and rights.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enhances transportation safety by criminalizing assaults on rail crew members, protecting workers and ensuring operational safety.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Violent Crime Rail

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passed · United States · House Jul 14, 2026

HR 8770: SAFEGUARDS Act of 2026

The SAFEGUARDS Act of 2026 directs that money collected from the 9/11 Security Fee must be used exclusively for aviation security improvements rather than other government purposes. Starting in fiscal year 2027, the law creates two separate funds: one to cover general security operations and another specifically for purchasing and installing new checkpoint technology at airports. The Transportation Security Administration will manage these funds to pay for screening upgrades, security equipment, and related personnel support, ensuring the fee directly benefits aviation safety.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill mandates exclusive use of collected fees for aviation security improvements, strengthening funding for essential public safety programs.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill funds the purchase and installation of new checkpoint technology at airports, directly advancing technology adoption in aviation security.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill directs funds to aviation security improvements and new checkpoint technology, enhancing transportation safety.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Procurement Airports

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