Washington — The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has sent to the full House a funding bill that would allocate $750 million to expand truck parking, as well as secure other safety provisions.
The Building Unrivaled Infrastructure and Long-term Development for America’s 250th Act (H.R. 8870) advanced after a 62-2 committee vote on May 22. Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO), who chairs the committee, introduced the legislation on May 19. Ranking member Rep. Rick Larsen (D-WA) and four other committee members co-sponsored the bill.
In addition to authorizing funding for truck parking – $150 million annually for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 – the bill would provide $580 billion for surface infrastructure such as roads and bridges.
Further, the legislation would include funding for rail safety and infrastructure improvements, as well as enact multiple requirements that lawmakers and industry safety officials contend would enhance transportation safety. Among them are measures to:
- Improve restroom access for truckers
- Establish a national autonomous vehicle framework
- Extend a pilot program allowing commercial motor vehicle drivers younger than 21 to operate interstate
- Strengthen oversight of electronic logging devices
- Recognize the use of hair samples as a drug-testing alternative for truckers
- Create a new revenue source for the Highway Trust Fund
“The robust funding for roads and bridges, as well as dedicated funding for truck parking, will support our essential work and the supply chain,” Chris Spear, president and CEO of the American Trucking Associations, said in a press release. “For the first time in decades, this bill would establish a new source of revenue for the Highway Trust Fund by requiring contributions from electric vehicles.
“Additionally, ATA welcomes the integration of commonsense policies that will enhance safety standards and promote strong driver qualifications.”
ATA joined a coalition of transportation groups in supporting the act, including the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association, and National Utility Contractors Association.
“It is clear the BUILD America 250 Act does much to improve safety,” CVSA Executive Director Collin Mooney wrote in a May 19 letter to Graves and Larsen, “providing states with the resources and tools they need to improve commercial motor vehicle safety and compliance, requirements pertaining to exemptions from the regulations, ensuring motor carriers are well prepared to enter the industry, and supporting innovation.”
