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BASICS Act
Introduced Feb 9, 2026 · Last action Feb 9, 2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
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Summary
This legislation is called the BASICS Act. Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Full bill text
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 7437 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 7437
To improve Federal transportation programs, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
February 9, 2026
Ms. McDonald Rivet (for herself and Mr. Bresnahan) introduced the
following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation
and Infrastructure
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To improve Federal transportation programs, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Bridges And Safety Infrastructure
for Community Success Act'' or the ``BASICS Act''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Transportation.
(2) Metropolitan planning organization.--The term
``Metropolitan planning organization'' has the meaning given
such term in section 134 of title 23, United States Code.
(3) Urbanized area.--The term ``urbanized area'' has the
meaning given such term in section 134 of title 23, United
States Code.
(4) Off-system bridge.--The term ``off-system bridge''
means a highway bridge or low water crossing (as defined by the
Secretary) located on a public road, other than a bridge or low
water crossing (as defined by the Secretary) on a Federal-aid
highway.
(5) Regional transportation planning organization.--The
term ``regional transportation planning organization'' means
the policy board of an organization established as the result
of a designation under section 135(m) of title 23, United
States Code.
SEC. 3. APPORTIONMENT.
Section 104 of title 23, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(1) by--
(A) striking ``paragraphs (4), (5), and (6)'' and
inserting ``(paragraphs (4), (5), (9), and (10))''; and
(B) striking ``59.0771195921461'' and inserting
``53.71'';
(2) in subsection (b)(2) by--
(A) striking ``paragraphs (4), (5), and (6)'' and
inserting ``(paragraphs (4), (5), (9), and (10))''; and
(B) striking ``28.7402203421251'' and inserting
``31.07'';
(3) in subsection (b)(3) by--
(A) striking ``paragraphs (4), (5), and (6)'' and
inserting ``(paragraphs (4), (5), (9), and (10))''; and
(B) striking ``6.70605141316253'' and inserting
``7.61'';
(4) in subsection (b)(7) by--
(A) striking ``paragraphs (4), (5), and (6)'' and
inserting ``(paragraphs (4), (5), (9), and (10))''; and
(B) striking ``2.56266964565637'' and inserting
``2.39'';
(5) in subsection (b)(8) by--
(A) striking ``paragraphs (4), (5), and (6)'' and
inserting ``(paragraphs (4), (5), (9), and (10))''; and
(B) striking ``2.91393900690991'' and inserting
``2.72'';
(6) striking subsection (b)(6)(B) and inserting the
following:
``(B) The total amount for metropolitan planning
for all States each fiscal year shall be 2.5 percent of
the amount remaining after distributing amounts under
paragraphs (4), (5), (9) and (10).''; and
(7) by adding the following at the end:
``(9) Strengthening bridges formula program.--
``(A) In general.--For the strengthening bridges
formula program under section 180, the Secretary shall
set aside from the base apportionment determined for a
State under subsection (c) an amount determined for the
State under subparagraphs (B) and (C).
``(B) Total amount.--The total amount set aside for
the strengthening bridges formula program for all
States shall be $5,500,000,000 for each fiscal year
between 2027 and 2031.
``(C) State share.--Notwithstanding subparagraph
(D), for each fiscal year, after the setting aside
funds as required by section 180(e), the Secretary
shall distribute among the States the remaining amount
for the strengthening bridges formula program under
subparagraph (B) so that each State receives the amount
equal to the proportion that--
``(i) the total cost of replacing or
rehabilitating all bridges classified in poor
condition in such State; bears to
``(ii) the total cost of replacing or
rehabilitating all bridges classified in poor
condition in all States.
``(D) Determination of costs.--For purposes of
subparagraph (C), the Secretary shall determine
replacement and rehabilitation costs based on the
average unit costs of bridges from 2021 through 2024,
as submitted by States to the Federal Highway
Administration as required by section 144(b)(5).
``(E) Minimum amount.--The minimum amount that the
Secretary apportions to a State in a fiscal year under
this program shall be $45,000,000.
``(10) Regional transportation planning.--
``(A) In general.--To carry out section 135(n) of
this title, an amount determined for the State under
subparagraphs (C) of this subsection.
``(B) Total amount.--The total amount to carry out
section 135(n) of this title for all States shall be
$150,000,000 for each fiscal year between 2027 and
2031.
``(C) Distribution among the states.--For each
fiscal year, the Secretary shall distribute the amounts
authorized to carry out section 135(n) of this title
among the States in the same proportion as the amount
distributed to the State share under subsection (b) of
this section.
``(D) Administration.--Up to 5 percent of the
amounts provided to each State may be used by the State
to administer this program.''.
SEC. 4. SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM.
Section 133(d)(3) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by
inserting after paragraph (B) the following:
``(C) Consultation with local governments.--For
purposes of clauses (iii) and (iv) of paragraph (1)(A),
before obligating funding attributed to an area with a
population of less than 50,000 that is not represented
by a regional transportation planning organization, a
State shall consult with local governments in that area
and may partner with nonpartisan, statewide
organizations representing local governments and their
elected leaders in order to facilitate such
consultation.''.
SEC. 5. BRIDGE FORMULA PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code, is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 180. Strengthening bridges formula program
``(a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a program in
accordance with this section to provide funding for bridge projects.
``(b) Eligible Uses.--Funds apportioned to a State under this
section may be obligated for the construction, replacement,
rehabilitation, preservation, and protection of highway bridges on
public roads.
``(c) Suballocation of Apportioned Funds.--
``(1) Calculation.--Of the funds apportioned to a State
under section 104(b)(9) (after the set aside of funds under
subsection (e)), the State shall obligate--
``(A) 25 percent in the following areas in
proportion to their relative shares of the population
of the State--
``(i) in urbanized areas of the State with
an urbanized population of over 200,000;
``(ii) in urbanized areas of the State with
an urbanized population of not less than 50,000
and not more than 200,000;
``(iii) in urban areas of the State with a
population of not less than 5,000 and not more
than 49,999; and
``(iv) in other areas of the State with a
population less than 5,000; and
``(B) the remainder may be obligated in any area of
the State.
``(2) Treatment of funds.--Funds made available to carry
out this section shall be administered as if apportioned under
Section 104(e) and Section 104(i) of Title 23, United States
Code (as amended).
``(3) Project selection.--A State shall only obligate
funding under this section for--
``(A) in areas of more than 50,000, projects that
have been included on the Transportation Improvement
Program for the metropolitan planning organization
representing that area;
``(B) in areas under 50,000 that are covered by a
regional transportation planning organization, projects
that are identified in cooperation with said regional
transportation planning organization; and
``(C) in areas under 50,000 that are not covered by
a regional transportation planning organization,
projects that are selected in consultation with local
governments in that area.
``(4) In order to facilitate better consultation with local
governments to identify eligible projects, the State may work
with nonpartisan, statewide organizations representing units of
local government and their elected officials.
``(d) Applicability of Planning Requirements.--Programming and
expenditure of funds for projects under this section shall be
consistent with sections 134 and 135 of title 23, United States Code.
``(e) Set Asides.--The Secretary shall set aside--
``(1) 3 percent of the funds available for this program in
each fiscal year to carry out section 202(d) of title 23,
United States Code; and
``(2) up to one-half of 1 percent of the amounts made
available for this program for the administration and
operations of the Federal Highway Administration.
``(f) Cost Share.--
``(1) In general.--For funds made available from this
program, the Federal share shall be determined in accordance
with section 120 of title 23, United States Code.
``(2) Local, off-system bridge.--For funding for a project
used on an off-system bridge that is owned by a local
government or Tribe, the Federal share shall be 100 percent.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 1 of title 23,
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``180. Strengthening bridges formula program.''.
SEC. 6. HIGHWAY SAFETY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM.
(a) Local Safety Set-Aside.--Section 148 of title 23, United States
Code, is amended by--
(1) redesignating subsections (d), (e), (f), (g), (h), (i),
(j), (k), and (l) as subsections (e), (f), (g), (h), (i), (j),
(k), (l), and (m), respectively;
(2) inserting after subsection (c) the following:
``(d) Allocations of Apportioned Funds Based on Population.--
``(1) Calculation.--Of the funds apportioned to a State
under section 104(b)(3)--
``(A) 25 percent for each of fiscal years 2027
through 2031 shall be obligated under this section, in
proportion to their relative shares of the population
of the State--
``(i) in urbanized areas of the State with
an urbanized area population of over 200,000;
``(ii) in urbanized areas of the State with
an urbanized area population of not less than
50,000 and not more than 200,000;
``(iii) in urban areas of the State with a
population not less than 5,000 and not more
than 49,999; and
``(iv) in other areas of the State with a
population less than 5,000; and
``(B) the remainder may be obligated in any area of
the State.
``(2) Project selection.--A State shall only obligate
funding under this section for--
``(A) in areas of more than 50,000, projects that
have been included on the Transportation Improvement
Program for the metropolitan planning organization
representing that area;
``(B) in areas under 50,000 that are covered by a
regional transportation planning organization, projects
that are identified in cooperation with said regional
transportation planning organization; and
``(C) in areas under 50,000 that are not covered by
a regional transportation planning organization,
projects that are selected in consultation with local
governments in that area.
``(3) Consultation.--In order to facilitate better
consultation with local governments to identify eligible
projects, the State may work with nonpartisan, statewide
organizations representing units of local government and their
elected officials.
``(4) Applicability of planning requirements.--Programming
and expenditure of funds for projects under this section shall
be consistent with sections 134 and 135 of title 23, United
States Code.'';
(3) in subsection (f)(1)(B), as so redesignated, by
striking ``subsection (g)'' and inserting ``subsection (h)'';
and
(4) in subsection (h)(1), as so redesignated, by striking
``subsection (f)'' and inserting ``subsection (g)''.
(b) Included Project.--Section 148(a)(4) of title 23, United States
Code, is amended by inserting after subparagraph (xxix) the following:
``(xxx) Any project that was eligible for
funding under section 24112 of the
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (23
U.S.C. 402 note).''.
SEC. 7. TRANSFERABILITY.
Section 126 of title 23, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (a) by replacing ``subject to subsection
(b)'' with ``subject to subsections (b) and (c)'';
(2) in paragraph (b)(1) by replacing ``104(d) and
133(d)(1)(A)'' with ``104(d), 133(d)(1)(A), 135(n),
148(d)(1)(A), 175(e)(1)(A), and 180(c)(1)(A)''; and
(3) by inserting after paragraph (b) the following--
``(c) Safety Funding.--Before transferring any funding apportioned
under section 104(b)(3), a State shall make those funds available to
local governments and regional planning organizations through a
competitive process.
``(1) In general.--Projects funded through this process
must meet the requirements for funding under Section 104(b)(3)
as outlined in section 148 of title 23, United States Code.
``(2) Open and fair competition.--Only after the Secretary
has certified that the State has held an open and fair
competition for the funds under 104(b)(3) shall a State be able
to transfer them under subsection (a) of this section.''.
SEC. 8. PROJECT SELECTION.
It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) States should obligate all funds appropriated under
section 133(d)(1)(A), section 148(d)(1)(A), section 175(e), and
section 180(c)(1)(A) of title 23, United States Code, of this
Act to locally selected projects; and
(2) the Secretary, in partnership with the Administrator of
the Federal Highway Administration, should work with States to
ensure that the local consultation and coordination processes
established under title 23, United States Code, are followed.
SEC. 9. METROPOLITAN PLANNING.
(a) Eliminating Local Match.--Section 120(c) of title 23, United
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(5) Metropolitan planning funds.--The Federal share
payable for activities authorized by section 134 of title 23
and apportioned under section 104(b)(6) of title 23 shall be
100 percent.''.
(b) Enhanced Planning for Faster Project Delivery.--Section 134 of
title 23, United States Code, is amended by--
(1) inserting at the end:
``(s) Additional Uses of Metropolitan Planning Funding.--In
addition to carrying out the purposes of this section, funds provided
to States and metropolitan planning organizations as apportioned under
section 104 may be used for--
``(1) fiscal administration of local projects;
``(2) preliminary design;
``(3) administrative and overhead costs, general operating
expenses, and facilities and infrastructure costs;
``(4) local technical assistance;
``(5) housing studies directly linked to transportation;
``(6) economic development studies directly linked to
transportation; and
``(7) critical data procurement.'';
(2) striking subsection (p) and inserting the following:
``(p) Funding.--
``(1) In general.--Funds apportioned under section
104(b)(6) or section 5305(g) of title 49 shall be available to
carry out this section.
``(2) Direct recipient status.--Not less than 180 days
after the passage of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a
process whereby a metropolitan planning agency may qualify to
become direct recipient of Federal funding, such process
shall--
``(A) be restricted to determining the technical
and financial capabilities for an metropolitan planning
organization to receive and be able to appropriately
manage Federal funding and funding requirements; and
``(B) occur concurrently to the recertification
process through which metropolitan planning
organizations have their abilities reconfirmed under
this section.
``(3) Suballocation of federal planning funds.--When the
Secretary annually apportions funds to States under section
104(b)(6), the Secretary shall directly sub-allocate obligation
authority and all associated responsibilities to metropolitan
planning organizations that have become direct recipients for
funding allocated under 104(b)(6) of this title or section
5305(g) of title 49, United States Code.''.
(c) Federal Transparency.--The Secretary shall give the same access
to Federal-aid financial management systems to metropolitan planning
organizations that it provides to State Departments of Transportation.
SEC. 10. RURAL TRANSPORTATION PLANNING.
Section 135 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding
at the end the following:
``(n) Regional Transportation Planning Funding.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a
program to provide assistance to States to support regional
transportation planning organizations and regional entities
responsible for transportation planning or economic development
planning in nonmetropolitan areas of the State in carrying out
the duties contained in subsection (m) of this section.
``(2) Use of funds.--Funds made available to States under
section 104(b)(9) of this title shall be utilized to--
``(A) provide direct funding to federally
designated regional transportation planning
organizations to enable them to carry out the duties
contained in paragraph (m)(4) of this section; and
``(B) undertake activities, including the
establishment of State-based pilot programs, to provide
assistance to regional entities responsible for
transportation planning or economic development
planning in nonmetropolitan areas of the State to--
``(i) increase the organizations
understanding of statewide transportation
planning requirements;
``(ii) provide technical assistance in
building organizational capacity and developing
transportation planning expertise necessary to
develop multimodal long-range transportation
plans;
``(iii) strengthening rural partnerships
and collaboration;
``(iv) enhance project prioritization and
delivery;
``(v) improve the overall statewide
transportation planning process and respond to
nonmetropolitan needs; and
``(vi) secure Federal designation of
regional transportation planning organizations.
``(3) Eligible recipients.--Funding made available to
States under section 104(b)(9) of this title shall be made
available to--
``(A) regional transportation planning organization
organizations as defined under section 134 (b)(5); and
``(B) regional entities responsible for
transportation planning or economic development
planning in nonmetropolitan areas of the State.
``(4) Distribution of funds within states.--
``(A) In general.--The amounts made available to
States to carry out this program under section
104(b)(9) of this title shall be distributed within the
State--
``(i) among all federally designated
regional transportation planning organization
through a formula developed by the State; and
``(ii) to non-federally designated regional
entities responsible for transportation
planning or economic development planning in
nonmetropolitan areas of the State through a
grant process allowing regional entities to
submit proposals for funding that achieve the
objectives of this subsection.
``(B) Secretarial approval.--Both the formula
distribution developed by a State under clause (i) of
this paragraph and the grant process undertaken by a
State under clause (ii) of this paragraph shall be
approved by the Secretary.
``(C) Minimum allocation.--States receiving funding
under this paragraph shall provide each federally
designated regional transportation planning
organization not less than $300,000 in fiscal years
2027 through 2031 to carry out this subsection.
``(5) Federal share.--The Federal share payable on
activities carried out with funds provided under this program
shall be 100 percent.''.
<all>Official legislative text sourced from the public record (cached on CivicsHQ).
Official source
View the original bill, actions, and full legislative record on Congress.gov.
Status
In Committee
- 1Introduced
- 2Committee
- 3Floor
- 4Passed
- 5Signed
Timeline reflects current normalized status only. Full action history is not yet stored in the API.
Sponsors
Cosponsors
- Rep. Baird, James R. [R-IN-4]
- Rep. Bresnahan, Robert P. [R-PA-8]
- Rep. Calvert, Ken [R-CA-43]
- Rep. Carbajal, Salud O. [D-CA-24]
- Rep. Mackenzie, Ryan [R-PA-7]
- Rep. Morrison, Kelly [D-MN-3]
- Rep. Mrvan, Frank J. [D-IN-1]
- Rep. Neguse, Joe [D-CO-2]
- Rep. Obernolte, Jay [R-CA-23]
- Rep. Smith, Adam [D-WA-9]
- Rep. Valadao, David G. [R-CA-22]
- Rep. Van Orden, Derrick [R-WI-3]
- Rep. Vasquez, Gabe [D-NM-2]
Votes
Voting records are not yet available for this bill.