Bill Summary
The "Highways First Act" is a proposed legislation aimed at amending existing laws regarding the allocation and transfer of federal funds designated for transportation projects, specifically those related to highways and transit. The bill seeks to prohibit the transfer of certain funds that are meant for transit projects to the Secretary of Transportation. Key provisions include the removal of certain regulatory language from Title 23 of the United States Code, thereby preventing the diversion of funds from highway to transit projects. The objective of this legislation is to prioritize funding for highway infrastructure and maintain a clear distinction in the allocation of transportation funds.
Possible Impacts
The "Highways First Act" proposed in the legislation can have several impacts on people. Here are three examples:
1. **Public Transit Funding Reduction**: By prohibiting the transfer of funds between highway and transit projects, this legislation may lead to reduced funding for public transit initiatives. This could adversely affect individuals who rely on public transportation for their daily commutes, leading to longer wait times, decreased service frequency, or the elimination of certain routes.
2. **Increased Road Infrastructure Investment**: The bill emphasizes highway funding over transit projects, which could result in more resources being allocated to road infrastructure improvements. While this might benefit drivers by improving road conditions and reducing traffic congestion, it could also mean less investment in sustainable transit options, potentially leading to greater reliance on personal vehicles and increased greenhouse gas emissions.
3. **Disproportionate Impact on Low-Income Communities**: Low-income individuals and communities often depend heavily on public transit systems for access to jobs, education, and essential services. With funding potentially being diverted away from transit projects, these communities may face greater challenges in mobility, which could exacerbate existing social and economic inequalities.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 8231 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 8231
To amend title 23, United States Code, to prohibit transfer of certain
funds made available for transit projects to the Secretary of
Transportation.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
April 9, 2026
Mr. Perry introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend title 23, United States Code, to prohibit transfer of certain
funds made available for transit projects to the Secretary of
Transportation.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Highways First Act''.
SEC. 2. TRANSFER OF HIGHWAY AND TRANSIT FUNDS.
Section 104(f) of title 23, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by striking paragraph (1); and
(2) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as paragraphs
(1) and (2), respectively.
SEC. 3. TRANSFER OF AMOUNTS AND NON-GOVERNMENT SHARE.
Section 5334(i) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by
striking ``(1) Amounts'' and all that follows through the enumerator
for paragraph (2).
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