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House BUILD America 250 Bill Boosts Highways, Cuts Transit and Rail

other · 2026-05-26

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee introduced BUILD America 250, a five-year surface transportation reauthorization bill promising $474 billion. Compared to the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law's $539 billion, it increases highway funding by 8% ($28 billion) and decreases transit and rail by 20% ($43 billion). Critics include the Union of Concerned Scientists, which called it a "highway contractor's wishlist," and the Rail to Trails Conservancy, which noted it fails to serve the 30% of Americans who don't drive. The bill lacks language on carbon reduction and social goals, and omits grants for highway removals from inner cities. Republican Chair Sam Graves defended it as cutting red tape and promoting innovation. Democrat Eleanor Holmes Norton noted it makes Washington D.C.'s Union Station eligible for federal grants and includes "blue envelope" programs for police-driver interactions. The bill follows a Department of Transportation competition for "America 250" infrastructure projects.

Key facts

  • BUILD America 250 is a five-year surface transportation reauthorization bill introduced by the House T&I Committee.
  • The bill promises $474 billion, less than the IIJA's $539 billion.
  • Highway funding increases by 8% ($28 billion); transit and rail funding decreases by 20% ($43 billion).
  • The Union of Concerned Scientists called it a 'highway contractor's wishlist.'
  • The American Cement Association expressed excitement about the bill.
  • The bill lacks language on reducing carbon emissions and social goals.
  • Grants for highway removals from inner cities are not included.
  • The Rail to Trails Conservancy criticized the bill for not benefiting pedestrians and cyclists.
  • Sam Graves defended the bill as cutting red tape and promoting innovation.
  • Eleanor Holmes Norton noted the bill makes Union Station eligible for federal grants and includes 'blue envelope' programs.

Entities

Institutions

  • House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee
  • Union of Concerned Scientists
  • American Cement Association
  • Rail to Trails Conservancy
  • Union Station Redevelopment Corporation
  • Department of Transportation

Locations

  • United States
  • Washington, D.C.

Sources