Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE)
Maximizing Transportation Efficiency Act
A bill to provide for the development of transportation demand management strategies, and for other purposes.
A Democratic bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
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 across the United States. This bill defines TDM as using various methods like planning, incentives, and technology to improve mobility and reduce congestion. It amends existing laws to include TDM in various federal assistance programs. A specific $20,000,000 set-aside is created to fund TDM strategies 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 16
- Scored +5
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?
The bill provides dedicated funding and specific attention to improving mobility in rural communities.
- Scored +4
Does this invest in rural communities?
A $20 million set-aside is specifically intended to improve mobility and access in rural areas.
- Scored +3
Does this improve buses, trains and other public transport?
The bill specifically focuses on increasing various transit and mobility options.
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 for Rural Communities: The bill seeks to help rural residents—who often face higher poverty levels and limited access to essential services like healthcare and stores—by providing more transportation options beyond car ownership. (Section 2)
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Increased Efficiency and Reduced Congestion: By implementing TDM strategies, the bill aims to increase the efficiency of existing infrastructure, which can lower the costs associated with traffic congestion. (Section 2; Section 3)
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Improved Mobility and Air Quality: The definition of TDM includes strategies meant to lead to improved mobility and improved air quality. (Section 3)
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Support for Diverse Transportation Options: The bill includes various options to help people move more easily, such as carpooling, vanpooling, telecommuting, and support for pedestrian infrastructure. (Section 3)
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Targeted Support for Rural Areas: A specific $20,000,000 set-aside is designated to provide grants for developing TDM plans, marketing, and innovative strategies like smart rural transportation hubs to improve mobility in rural locations. (Section 4)
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Support for Smaller Infrastructure Projects: A $20,000,000 set-aside is created to provide grants for projects with estimated costs between $500,000 and $10,000,000. (Section 5)
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Increased Costs for Travelers: The bill's definition of TDM includes "appropriate pricing of parking, tolls, transit, and other options," which could lead to increased costs for individuals using these services. (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 bill provides dedicated funding and specific attention to improving mobility in rural communities. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Enhanced transportation options can help lower-income households access essential services. Would people with disabilities be better off under this? — Improved transit options can benefit those with disabilities in rural areas. Would retired people be better off under this? — Increased mobility options can improve access to healthcare and services for retirees. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — Improved mobility options can benefit rural seniors who may have limited access to services. Would middle-income households be better off under this? — Reduced congestion may lead to time and cost savings for commuters. Would Native Americans be better off under this? — The bill includes support for Tribal governments in implementing TDM strategies. Would people in cities be better off under this? — Congestion relief strategies may improve daily travel in urbanized areas.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this invest in rural communities? — A $20 million set-aside is specifically intended to improve mobility and access in rural areas. Does this improve buses, trains and other public transport? — The bill specifically focuses on increasing various transit and mobility options. Does this repair or build roads and bridges? — The bill enhances the efficiency of existing transportation infrastructure. Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change? — Improved mobility and reduced congestion may lead to lower emissions. Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The bill aims to improve air quality through better transportation management.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to grow the economy? — By reducing congestion costs, the bill may slightly improve overall economic efficiency. Does this make the government pay for what it commits to? — The bill describes TDM as a cost-effective use of transportation dollars.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — Increased mobility can help reduce poverty by providing better access to jobs and essential services.
- 9/16/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 1/27/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- Introduced in Senate
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.
Mark KellyDemocrat · Arizona