Vince Fong (R-CA)
Surface Transportation Research and Development Act of 2026
A Republican bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Introduced, nothing more yet
Formally proposed, and not yet handed to a committee.
Nearly every bill is sent to a committee within days. Introduction alone is not a sign of support, of momentum, or of any likelihood of passing — any member may introduce any bill.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
What this bill would do
This bill, the "Surface Transportation Research and Development Act of 2026," directs the Secretary of Transportation to lead various research and development activities. It updates several existing programs, including technology and innovation programs for highway systems and the University Transportation Centers program, to extend through fiscal years 2027 through 2031. The legislation establishes a Transportation Statistics Coordination Council to centralize and manage departmental data. Additionally, it mandates a study on the safety effects of emerging headlamp technologies and a strategy for the use of reclaimed asphalt pavement. It also updates rail research programs to address safety challenges and hazardous materials.
Yes· 3 of 9
- Scored +5
Does this put more money into scientific research?
The bill extends and directs various surface transportation research and development programs through 2031.
- Scored +4
Does this repair or build roads and bridges?
The bill funds research into highway/intermodal systems, headlamp safety technology, and reclaimed asphalt usage for roads.
- Scored +3
Would people over 65 be better off under this?
The bill directs a study on headlamp technologies with specific attention to the needs of older drivers.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Data Security and Integrity: The bill requires the Department to conduct data collection in a manner that protects the trust of information providers and maintains the confidentiality, objectivity, and integrity of data (Section 3).
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Reduction of Information Burdens: The new Transportation Statistics Coordination Council is tasked with identifying opportunities to reduce burdens on State, local, or Tribal governments and private sector entities by consolidating similar information into a centralized repository (Section 4).
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Enhanced Road Safety via Technology Research: The bill mandates a study on how emerging headlamp technologies, such as high-intensity LED and matrix LED, affect driver visibility and glare exposure, specifically looking at the safety of older drivers and those with visual impairments (Section 7).
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Potential Cost Savings in Infrastructure: The Secretary must develop a strategy for reclaimed asphalt pavement that includes an analysis of cost savings related to increasing its use on roadways (Section 8).
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Improved Rail Safety: The bill updates rail research programs to address safety challenges regarding modern and future infrastructure and technology, as well as reviewing safety standards for transporting hazardous materials on freight rail (Section 9).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Potential Safety Risks from Headlamp Technology: The study requested by the bill investigates whether emerging headlamp technologies could create negative effects regarding driver visibility, glare exposure, or roadway safety (Section 7).
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Potential Decreased Pavement Quality: The strategy for using reclaimed asphalt pavement must include measures to ensure that asphalt mixture quality does not decrease as a result of using these recycled materials (Section 8).
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 retired people be better off under this? — The bill includes research into headlamp technologies intended to assist older drivers. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — The bill directs a study on headlamp technologies with specific attention to the needs of older drivers. Would business owners be better off under this? — The bill aims to reduce the burden of information collection on private sector entities.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this repair or build roads and bridges? — The bill funds research into highway/intermodal systems, headlamp safety technology, and reclaimed asphalt usage for roads. Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The bill mandates a strategy to encourage the use of reclaimed asphalt pavement to promote sustainability.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The bill extends and directs various surface transportation research and development programs through 2031.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires the Secretary to make the report on headlamp technology studies publicly available on a website.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The bill seeks to reduce the data collection burden on private sector entities through the Transportation Statistics Coordination Council.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this make housing cost less? — The bill promotes the use of reclaimed asphalt pavement which may lead to long-term infrastructure cost savings.
- 5/20/2026
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
- 5/12/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Emilia SykesDemocrat · Ohio