The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee passed the BUILD America 250 Act on May 22, with support from Representative Vince Fong of California’s 20th district.
The bill is a five-year surface transportation reauthorization that aims to invest in roads, bridges, rail systems, and infrastructure across the United States. The legislation includes new safety frameworks and funding provisions intended to improve efficiency and innovation in American transportation networks.
“Today is a major victory for California and for the nation,” said Rep. Fong. “The BUILD America 250 Act is the most significant surface transportation investment in decades, and I’m proud to have helped secure critical priorities that will strengthen our communities, invest in our road and bridge infrastructure, and keep America moving. This legislation will rebuild and expand our roads and bridges, improve safety, strengthen supply chains, and support long-term economic growth across the Central Valley, California, and throughout our country. I’m especially proud that several key policy priorities I fought for were included in the final bill—ensuring this legislation delivers real results for the Central Valley and communities nationwide.”
A notable provision championed by Fong establishes a federal safety framework for autonomous commercial motor vehicles by incorporating elements of his previously introduced AMERICA DRIVES Act into this broader bill. “As China attempts to race ahead in autonomous vehicle technology and artificial intelligence, America must lead — not follow — in shaping the future of transportation,” said Congressman Fong. “This national safety framework, built on my AMERICA DRIVES Act, strengthens U.S. innovation, competitiveness, and national security while ensuring California’s leadership in this industry is reflected in federal policy.” He also thanked House Transportation Committee Chairman Sam Graves for advancing these efforts.
Local leaders voiced their approval of the bill’s passage as well. Robert Phipps of Fresno Council of Governments said: “Fresno COG thanks and appreciates the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and our own Representative Vince Fong… From greater investment in bridges to environmental streamlining to greater funding flexibility… we are thrilled that the House T&I Committee sees the same opportunities to improve our transportation network that we do.” Jay Schlosser from Kern Council of Governments added: “We applaud Congressman Fong’s efforts to reduce red tape, invest in America’s highways, and improve freight mobility in Kern County.” Theodore Smalley from Tulare County also expressed appreciation: “I am incredibly pleased to see this project finally come to fruition after many years of collaboration… We appreciate Congressman Fong’s leadership in helping move this important effort forward.”
Among other measures included are provisions allowing local planners direct access to federal funds; grant opportunities aimed at improving farm-to-market routes; a temporary ban on federal funding for California High-Speed Rail along with a working group assigned to review its progress; clear guidelines for AV trucking technology; as well as an amendment limiting vicarious liability lawsuits against ride-share companies.
