Bill · S. 3972· Senate(119-S-3972)
Highway Formula Fairness Act
- Introduced
- 3/3/2026
- Last activity
- 3/3/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- Sponsored by
- Ted Cruz
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 2
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Highway Formula Fairness Act seeks to modify how certain State apportionments for Federal highway programs are calculated. It changes the way the initial amounts for various programs are determined for fiscal year 2027 and beyond. The bill uses the proportion of apportionments a State received in fiscal year 2012 as a baseline. It also introduces an adjustment mechanism to ensure State amounts do not fall below a specific threshold. This threshold is based on a percentage related to estimated tax payments made into the Highway Trust Fund by users within each State.
Yes
Does this repair or build roads and bridges?+3
The bill modifies funding formulas for highway programs which supports the maintenance and improvement of roads and bridges.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Ensuring Minimum Funding Levels: The bill includes an adjustment to ensure that the combined apportionments for a State are not less than a specific amount calculated from the total funds available (Section 2, subsection (c)(1)(B)(i)). This could provide more financial stability for State highway programs.
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Linking Funding to User Contributions: The adjustment is tied to a percentage based on estimated tax payments made into the Highway Trust Fund by highway users in that specific State (Section 2, subsection (c)(1)(B)(ii)). This ensures the funding formula considers the proportion of taxes paid by users within the State.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Changes to Apportionment Calculations: The bill replaces the existing calculation method for several programs, including the national highway performance program, the surface transportation block grant program, and the highway safety improvement program (Section 2, subsection (c)(1)). While the intent is to modify the provision, the change in how funds are distributed could affect various programs.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Roads And Bridges+3
- 3/3/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
John CornynRepublican · Texas
Ruben GallegoDemocrat · Arizona
Mark KellyDemocrat · Arizona