hold on there's just too much going on in Congress lmao...
Shifts billions in federal transportation funding for bridges, safety, and local planning.
Ms. McDonald Rivet and Mr. Bresnahan
In committee, no House vote yet
The 'Bridges And Safety Infrastructure for Community Success Act' (BASICS Act) proposes to significantly restructure how federal highway funds are apportioned and used, dedicating substantial new money to bridge repairs, highway safety, and local transportation planning. It also gives more power to local governments in project selection. Introduced by Ms. McDonald Rivet and Mr. Bresnahan, the bill was referred to the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for review.
Introduced Feb 9, 2026
This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on February 9, 2026. It has been referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Before it can become law, it must pass both the House and the Senate and then be signed by the President. Committee review is the first step in the legislative process.
If this bill passes, a significant amount of new federal money, $5.5 billion annually for bridges and $150 million for rural planning (FY2027-2031), would be directed towards your state for improving infrastructure and safety. Local governments and regional planning organizations would gain increased influence over which projects receive funding for both bridge repairs and highway safety, potentially prioritizing local needs. Additionally, local and tribal governments would no longer need to contribute their own funds for repairing or replacing "off-system" bridges they own, as the federal government would cover 100% of the cost.
Supporters Say
The bill would deliver much-needed funding directly to local communities, improving critical infrastructure and empowering local decision-makers.
Critics Say
Concerns might arise regarding the significant shift in control of transportation funds from states to local entities.
Supporters would likely highlight the substantial new funding for bridge repair and highway safety as essential investments. They would also emphasize the increased local control over project selection and planning, and the elimination of local match requirements for certain projects and planning activities, which could help smaller communities. Potential concerns might arise regarding the shift in power from state departments of transportation to local entities and how effectively these new funding mechanisms would be implemented across diverse regions.