Transportation

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.

HR 341, the Railroad Responsibility Act of 2025, allows states to set rules limiting how long trains can block grade crossings (where roads cross train tracks). It directly affects states, local governments, and railroad carriers by removing federal preemption that previously prevented states from enacting such rules. The bill amends federal law to explicitly state that states can adopt laws, regulations, or requirements restricting the duration of train blockages at crossings. This change gives states authority to address traffic disruptions caused by prolonged train stops without federal interference.

HCONRES 47 is a non-binding congressional resolution expressing that state licensing of design professionals (including architects, engineers, surveyors, and mapping specialists) is essential for public safety. It states that such licensing ensures the safety of infrastructure, buildings, and natural resource projects, and supports maintaining state-level requirements as vital to public health and welfare. The resolution does not create new laws but formally affirms Congress's position that eliminating or reducing these licensing standards would not serve the public interest.

This bill modifies federal transit funding rules to encourage housing development near transit hubs. It defines "pro-housing policies" (like removing parking minimums or streamlining approvals for multi-family housing) and allows projects demonstrating such policies to earn an extra point in funding evaluations. Transit projects applying for capital grants can receive higher funding priority if they show evidence of these policies in areas near transit. The policy directly affects cities, transit agencies, and developers seeking federal transit funding, without mandating new state or local laws. The bill focuses on incentivizing existing housing-friendly practices through grant scoring, not direct housing construction.

This bill creates a new grant program to fund community infrastructure projects near land ports of entry. It directly assists state, tribal, local governments, and nonprofit utilities within 25 miles of a land port, focusing on transportation, water, waste, utility, or environmental projects affected by port operations. Key provisions include a 30% local funding match (reduced or waived for rural areas or security-focused projects) and reimbursement for eligible projects completed after November 2021. The program prioritizes projects improving border security, trade efficiency, community resilience, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel quality of life, as outlined in DHS guidance.

This bill requires the FAA to create and maintain a public website listing medications approved for use by pilots, air traffic controllers, and aviation trainees seeking medical certification. The list must include all approved prescription and over-the-counter medications, indicate required duty limitations for certain drugs, flag medications the FAA prohibits ("Do Not Issue"), and provide clear guidance for medical providers. The FAA must develop this list with input from aviation experts, training institutions, and union representatives, and update it annually to reflect current medical standards. This directly affects aviation medical applicants by making medication safety information transparent and accessible at the time of certification.

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.

The Freedom to Move Act (S 2478) creates a federal grant program to help state and local governments cover costs of implementing fare-free public transportation and improve transit systems, primarily benefiting low-income individuals, foster care youth, and residents of underserved communities (defined as low-income communities of color with inadequate bus service). Eligible entities, including cities, transit agencies, and rural nonprofits, can apply for competitive 5-year grants requiring detailed plans to address transit equity gaps, expand service in underserved areas, and eliminate fare evasion enforcement policies that criminalize low-income riders. Funds can be used for operational costs, safer bus stops, pedestrian infrastructure, and network redesigns prioritizing reliable service for historically marginalized groups. The program is funded with $5 billion annually from 2026-2030, mandating annual reports tracking demographic progress and equity outcomes. It directly affects public transit systems in communities lacking frequent service, aiming to make transportation more accessible and reduce disparities.

HR 6821, the Protect Our Students Act, redirects federal highway safety funds to improve school zone safety. It increases the required allocation of these funds for school zone improvements from 40% to 50% and authorizes specific safety measures including crossing guards, flashing lights, visible signage, crosswalks, traffic calming, and automated enforcement. The bill directly affects students walking to school, local schools, and communities by mandating that federal highway safety programs fund these targeted school zone upgrades. This changes how existing federal transportation funds can be used, focusing resources on proven safety infrastructure.

S 3347, the Flight Delay and Cancellation Compensation Act, requires airlines to provide $750 in cash compensation, free rebooking, meals, and for overnight delays, lodging and transportation when flights are delayed or canceled due to the airline's fault. The bill mandates the Transportation Secretary to form a committee within 90 days - including airline, airport, and consumer representatives - to develop recommendations for these standards, including aligning with international rules like Canada's Air Passenger Protection Regulations. An interim rule implementing these requirements will take effect two years after enactment, mandating the compensation and services for affected passengers. This legislation standardizes passenger protections across U.S. airlines to align with global practices.