Bill · H.R. 203· House(119-HR-203)
Red Light Act
- Introduced
- 1/3/2025
- Last activity
- 1/4/2025 — Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
- Sponsored by
- Claudia Tenney
- Cosponsors
- - 4 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "Red Light Act" aims to withhold Federal highway funds from specific States. This applies to States that have enacted laws allowing them to provide driver's licenses or identification cards to aliens who are unlawfully present in the United States. The Secretary would withhold 100 percent of certain apportioned funds for fiscal year 2023 and each year thereafter. If a State repeals these laws, the withheld funds may be reapportioned to that State. If the laws are not repealed, the funds are redistributed to States that have not enacted such laws.
Yes
Does this give the federal government more power?+5
The bill expands federal authority by allowing the Secretary to withhold specific highway funds based on state legislation.
Does this tighten control of the border?+3
The bill uses financial pressure to discourage states from providing identification to undocumented immigrants.
The opposite· 3 of 8
Does this repair or build roads and bridges?-7
The bill threatens to withhold 100 percent of specific federal highway funds used for infrastructure in non-compliant states.
Does this leave more decisions to the states?-6
The bill uses federal fund withholding to override state-level decisions regarding the issuance of identification cards.
Would immigrants be better off under this?-5
The bill penalizes states that provide identification to undocumented immigrants, making it harder for them to obtain documentation.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Redistribution of Funds: Under Section 2(a)(c)(3), if a State has funds withheld, the Secretary shall apportion those funds on a proportional basis to all remaining States that have not enacted the described laws.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Withholding of Highway Funds: Under Section 2(a), the Secretary is required to withhold 100 percent of the amount required to be apportioned under sections 104(b)(1), 104(b)(3), and 104(b)(4) of title 23 from States that provide driver's licenses or identification cards to aliens who are unlawfully present in the United States.
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Impact of Subsequent Enactment: Under Section 2(a)(c)(4), if a State repeals the law to receive withheld funds but then subsequently enacts the law again, the Secretary shall withhold the funds in the following fiscal year and each year thereafter.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Immigrants-5Good For Hispanic Americans-4Good For Low Income Households-2
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Roads And Bridges-7
- Economy And Finance
- Reduces Government Spending-5
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Border Security+3Improves Pathway To Citizenship-3Improves Racial Equity-2
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+5Increase States Rights-6
- 3/21/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 1/31/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 1/13/2025
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 1/4/2025
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
- 1/3/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- Introduced in House
Abraham HamadehRepublican · Arizona
Nicholas LangworthyRepublican · New York
Mary MillerRepublican · Illinois
Tony WiedRepublican · Wisconsin