Bills · S 3972
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 3972Transportation and Public Works
Highway Formula Fairness Act
INTRO MAR 3· LAST ACTION MAR 3
READING
3MIN
COSPONSORS
3BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it changes a major funding stream for America's roads, bridges, and transportation safety initiatives. How federal highway money is distributed directly impacts how quickly states can repair aging infrastructure, build new roads, improve safety, and address issues like congestion and air quality.
If this bill becomes law, states whose drivers contribute a lot to the federal Highway Trust Fund might see an increase or stabilization in their federal highway dollars, as the bill aims to give them back at least 95% of their contributions. Conversely, states that currently receive a higher share of federal funds compared to their tax contributions might see their funding reduced. This shift could accelerate or delay critical infrastructure projects, affecting commute times, freight movement, and the overall condition of local roads and highways. Voters should care because the condition of local infrastructure affects their daily lives, from how smooth their morning commute is to the cost of goods transported on those roads.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
The bill replaces the existing formula for calculating state shares of federal highway program funds.
This fundamentally changes how states receive money for transportation projects.
PROVISION 02
It establishes an initial calculation based on a state's proportion of federal highway funds received in fiscal year 2012.
Using a past year's funding as a baseline could benefit or disadvantage states depending on their growth and needs since 2012.
PROVISION 03
It introduces an adjustment ensuring each state receives at least 95% of its estimated contribution to the Highway Trust Fund from highway user taxes.
This provision aims to guarantee a minimum return on investment for states whose drivers contribute heavily to federal highway funds, addressing a common 'donor state' concern.
PROVISION 04
The new calculation applies to key federal highway programs, including national highway performance, surface transportation block grants, highway safety, congestion mitigation, freight, and carbon reduction programs.
The change impacts a broad spectrum of critical infrastructure and environmental initiatives across all states.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 3
R· Texas
YRS IN OFFICE
13
BILLS LED
131
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 67%
DEM 2 REP 1 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSMAR 3
Introduced in Senate
MAR 3
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 3972
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedMar 3, 2026
Last actionMar 3, 2026
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED MAR 3, 2026
Senate BillS 3972Transportation and Public Works
Highway Formula Fairness Act
INTRODUCED MAR 3, 2026· LAST ACTION MAR 3, 2026
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
3 min
COSPONSORS
3
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
