Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026
INTRO JUL 24· LAST ACTION JUL 24
READING
255MIN
COSPONSORS
0
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Reported, not passed
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 3 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
Voters should care about this bill because it directly funds the operations of the Department of Transportation, which plays a crucial role in maintaining and improving the nation's roads, bridges, public transit, and other transportation systems. If this bill passes, it ensures that federal transportation programs continue to function, supporting everything from traffic safety to the development of new transportation technologies. It also provides significant funding for local infrastructure projects, which can create jobs, improve local commutes, and boost regional economies.
Without this bill, or if it doesn't pass in a timely manner, federal transportation agencies could face funding gaps, potentially delaying critical research, maintenance projects, or even the disbursement of grants to states and communities. The specific allocation of funds to research and disadvantaged communities means this bill not only addresses current infrastructure needs but also invests in future transportation innovation and aims to promote more equitable development across the country. It impacts how efficiently people and goods move, the safety of travel, and the economic vitality of many communities.
KEY PROVISIONS
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PROVISION 01
Appropriates $185,965,000 for the salaries and expenses of the Office of the Secretary of Transportation and its various sub-offices.
This ensures the continued day-to-day operations and administrative functions of the Department of Transportation's leadership and core support services.
PROVISION 02
Allocates $32,705,000 for transportation research and technology programs, including funds for Advanced Research Projects Agency–Infrastructure (ARPA-I) and the Highly Automated Systems Safety Center of Excellence.
This provision drives innovation in transportation, supports the development of safer and more resilient infrastructure, and explores future technologies.
PROVISION 03
Provides $250,000,000 for a local and regional project assistance grant program for infrastructure investments.
This directly funds critical infrastructure improvements across the country, enhancing transportation networks and supporting local economies.
PROVISION 04
Requires at least 5% of the national infrastructure investment grants to be awarded to projects in historically disadvantaged communities or areas of persistent poverty.
This aims to address historical inequities and ensures that infrastructure development benefits communities that have often been overlooked.
Committee on Appropriations. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Hyde-Smith. With written report No. 119-47.
COMMITTEE
JUL 24
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 125.
CALENDARS
JUN 11
Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies . Hearings held on the subject prior to the subcommittee ordering to be reported an original measure. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 119-72.
Voters should care about this bill because it directly funds the operations of the Department of Transportation, which plays a crucial role in maintaining and improving the nation's roads, bridges, public transit, and other transportation systems. If this bill passes, it ensures that federal transportation programs continue to function, supporting everything from traffic safety to the development of new transportation technologies. It also provides significant funding for local infrastructure projects, which can create jobs, improve local commutes, and boost regional economies.
Without this bill, or if it doesn't pass in a timely manner, federal transportation agencies could face funding gaps, potentially delaying critical research, maintenance projects, or even the disbursement of grants to states and communities. The specific allocation of funds to research and disadvantaged communities means this bill not only addresses current infrastructure needs but also invests in future transportation innovation and aims to promote more equitable development across the country. It impacts how efficiently people and goods move, the safety of travel, and the economic vitality of many communities.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Appropriates $185,965,000 for the salaries and expenses of the Office of the Secretary of Transportation and its various sub-offices.
This ensures the continued day-to-day operations and administrative functions of the Department of Transportation's leadership and core support services.
high
Allocates $32,705,000 for transportation research and technology programs, including funds for Advanced Research Projects Agency–Infrastructure (ARPA-I) and the Highly Automated Systems Safety Center of Excellence.
This provision drives innovation in transportation, supports the development of safer and more resilient infrastructure, and explores future technologies.
high
Provides $250,000,000 for a local and regional project assistance grant program for infrastructure investments.
This directly funds critical infrastructure improvements across the country, enhancing transportation networks and supporting local economies.
med
Requires at least 5% of the national infrastructure investment grants to be awarded to projects in historically disadvantaged communities or areas of persistent poverty.
This aims to address historical inequities and ensures that infrastructure development benefits communities that have often been overlooked.
Office of the Secretary salaries and expenses (Department of Transportation)
discretionary
FY2026 (available until Sep 30, 2027)
$32,705,000
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology (Department of Transportation)
discretionary
FY2026 (some available until expended)
$250,000,000
National infrastructure investments (local and regional project assistance grant program)
discretionary
FY2026 (available until expended)
GLOSSARY
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Appropriations
Money that Congress has legally set aside for specific government programs or agencies to spend.
Fiscal Year
A 12-month period for which a government or business plans its budget. For the U.S. federal government, it runs from October 1 to September 30.
Department of Transportation (DoT)
The federal agency responsible for planning and coordinating federal transportation projects, overseeing various transportation modes like highways, railroads, air travel, and maritime transport.
Office of the Secretary
The administrative and executive core of the Department of Transportation, including the Secretary, Deputy Secretary, and their immediate support staff and essential departmental functions like legal, policy, and budget offices.
Advanced Research Projects Agency–Infrastructure (ARPA-I)
A federal agency within the Department of Transportation focused on developing transformative infrastructure technologies to make American infrastructure safer, more sustainable, and more efficient.
Highly Automated Systems Safety Center of Excellence
A program aimed at researching and promoting the safe integration of automated technologies into transportation systems, such as self-driving vehicles and drones.
ACTION TIMELINE
5 EVENTS
JUL 24, 25
Introduced in Senate
INTROREFERRAL
JUL 24, 25
Committee on Appropriations. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Hyde-Smith. With written report No. 119-47.
COMMITTEE
JUL 24, 25
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 125.
CALENDARS
JUN 11, 25
Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies . Hearings held on the subject prior to the subcommittee ordering to be reported an original measure. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 119-72.
Technologies that work alongside or enhance primary positioning, navigation, and timing systems (like GPS) to provide reliable location and timing data, especially when primary systems are unavailable or unreliable.
Historically Disadvantaged Communities
Areas that have faced significant economic, social, or environmental burdens due to past policies or practices, often characterized by low income, high unemployment, or limited access to resources.
