Marilyn Strickland (D-WA)
Maximizing Transportation Efficiency Act
A Democratic bill with 2 Democratic cosponsors · See all 2 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Maximizing Transportation Efficiency Act aims to develop transportation demand management (TDM) strategies to improve efficiency and reduce congestion. The bill updates various sections of the United States Code to include TDM as a recognized method for improving mobility and air quality. It expands the scope of several existing federal grant and assistance programs to incorporate these strategies. A specific $20,000,000 set-aside is created to fund TDM development and implementation specifically in rural areas. Additionally, the bill establishes a $20,000,000 set-aside for small projects within the congestion relief program.
Yes· 3 of 15
- Scored +5
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?
The $20,000,000 set-aside is dedicated to providing better transportation and essential service access for rural communities.
- Scored +4
Does this invest in rural communities?
The $20,000,000 set-aside specifically targets rural areas to improve mobility and access to essential services.
- Scored +3
Would people over 65 be better off under this?
The bill addresses the disproportionate number of elderly residents in rural areas by improving their access to essential services.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Improved Access and Mobility: TDM strategies are intended to increase the efficiency of existing infrastructure, providing greater access to jobs and services (Section 2).
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Support for Rural Communities: The bill addresses disparities in rural areas by providing transportation options for those who lack access to a car (Section 2).
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Targeted Rural Funding: A $20,000,000 set-aside is designated to improve mobility and increase access to jobs and modal options for families and communities in rural areas (Section 4).
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Reduced Costs and Congestion: The bill notes that TDM can help lower the cost of congestion and increase the efficiency of the transportation system (Section 2).
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Support for Diverse Work and Travel Styles: The definition of TDM includes provisions for promoting telecommuting, remote, and hybrid work schedules, as well as supporting micromobility and pedestrian infrastructure (Section 3).
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Small Project Opportunities: A $20,000,000 set-aside is created for projects with estimated costs between $500,000 and $10,000,000 (Section 5).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Costs to Travelers: TDM strategies may include the "appropriate pricing of parking, tolls, transit, and other options" (Section 3).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — The $20,000,000 set-aside is dedicated to providing better transportation and essential service access for rural communities. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Increased access to shared mobility and transit helps reduce the high cost of transportation for rural households. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — The bill addresses the disproportionate number of elderly residents in rural areas by improving their access to essential services. Would Native Americans be better off under this? — The bill includes Tribal governments as eligible recipients for rural transportation demand management grants. Would people with disabilities be better off under this? — The bill aims to address the specific needs of disabled residents in rural areas through improved mobility options. Would children be better off under this? — Improved mobility and access to services can indirectly benefit children in rural communities.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this invest in rural communities? — The $20,000,000 set-aside specifically targets rural areas to improve mobility and access to essential services. Does this improve buses, trains and other public transport? — The bill expands federal grant scope to include more diverse transit and mobility options like vanpooling and micromobility. Does this repair or build roads and bridges? — The bill increases the efficiency of existing transportation infrastructure through demand management. Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change? — The bill focuses on improving air quality through transportation demand management strategies like carpooling and transit.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to grow the economy? — Reducing the cost of traffic congestion and increasing infrastructure efficiency contributes to broader economic efficiency. Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The $20,000,000 set-aside for small projects provides funding opportunities for smaller scale infrastructure initiatives. Is this likely to create jobs? — By increasing transportation efficiency and access to jobs, the bill indirectly supports job accessibility.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this expand the rights of people with disabilities? — The bill notes that rural areas have disproportionate numbers of disabled residents who would benefit from improved mobility options. Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — By addressing transportation disparities in rural areas, the bill helps mitigate some barriers faced by low-income families.
- 6/3/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 1/31/2026
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
- 1/30/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
John GaramendiDemocrat · California
Emily RandallDemocrat · Washington