hold on there's just too much going on in Congress lmao...
Creates grants for public transit to schools and Head Start programs.
Lead sponsor Ms. Goodlander and a bipartisan group of co-sponsors.
Introduced in the House, awaits committee review.
This bill, H.R. 7099, proposes new federal grants to improve public transportation access for students attending various educational institutions and Head Start programs. It was introduced by Ms. Goodlander and a bipartisan group of co-sponsors in January 2026 and currently awaits review by the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Introduced Jan 15, 2026
H.R. 7099 was introduced in the House of Representatives on January 15, 2026, and referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Before it can move forward, the committee must review and approve it. If passed by the House, it would then proceed to the Senate for consideration.
If this bill passes, public transportation providers could receive grants to expand service to educational institutions. This means new or more frequent bus, rail, or paratransit services could be created, making it easier for students to attend community colleges, minority-serving institutions, trade schools, and rural colleges. It would also help families get their children to and from center-based Head Start programs, prioritizing institutions where many students receive Pell Grants.
Supporters Say
Supporters argue it removes transportation barriers, increasing access to education and early childhood programs.
Critics Say
Critics might raise concerns about the cost of the grants or the effectiveness of transit changes alone.
Proponents would likely highlight how reliable transportation is a critical factor in educational attainment, especially for low-income students and families. They would emphasize the bill's focus on institutions serving students receiving Pell Grants and Head Start programs, aiming to reduce inequality. Potential critics might question the funding allocation, suggesting other educational barriers are more pressing, or debate whether expanded transit would truly solve attendance issues without addressing other underlying causes.