To amend the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 to prohibit congestion or cordon pricing in a value pricing program, and for other purposes.
- Bill Number
- H.R. 351
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Transportation and Public Works
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-01-14: Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
- Last Updated
- 2025-02-18T19:54:17Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This bill aims to restrict certain traffic management strategies by prohibiting the use of congestion pricing or cordon pricing in federal value pricing programs for highways. (Value pricing refers to variable tolls or fees on roads to encourage off-peak travel and reduce congestion; congestion pricing involves fees for entering high-traffic zones; cordon pricing sets fees to cross into restricted urban areas.)
Key Provisions
- Amends Section 1012(b) of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (a law that allows pilot programs for road pricing to fund improvements).
- Adds a new paragraph (9) stating that the Secretary of Transportation cannot establish or maintain any value pricing program that includes value pricing, congestion pricing, or cordon pricing.
- The prohibition applies regardless of other provisions in the subsection, effectively overriding them.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Previously, the 1991 Act permitted value pricing pilots, including congestion and cordon strategies, as tools for states and cities to test demand management and generate revenue for transportation infrastructure.
- This bill introduces a blanket ban on these specific pricing methods within federal programs, limiting flexibility in how such pilots are designed and implemented.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) would lose authority to approve or fund programs using these pricing tools, potentially shifting focus to alternative congestion relief methods like infrastructure expansion.
- Citizens: Urban drivers and commuters in congested areas (e.g., major cities) may face fewer options for traffic reduction, leading to prolonged congestion, higher fuel costs, or delayed travel times; lower-income drivers could avoid fees but experience worse overall mobility.
- International Relations: No direct impacts, as the bill focuses on domestic highway policy.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal and State Transportation Officials: DOT and state departments of transportation, who design and fund road programs.
- Local Governments and Cities: Urban areas seeking innovative ways to manage traffic and fund transit (e.g., New York or Los Angeles).
- Drivers and Commuters: Especially in high-congestion regions, who could see changes in travel costs and times.
- Transportation Advocates and Businesses: Groups pushing for or against toll-based solutions, including environmental organizations (favoring pricing to cut emissions) and trucking/logistics firms (opposing added fees).
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Narrows the scope of federal pilot programs under 23 U.S.C. 149 note, potentially leading to challenges from states arguing it infringes on local authority over transportation; it does not affect existing non-federal pricing schemes.
- Constitutional: No major issues, as it regulates federal spending and programs without directly impinging on free speech, due process, or interstate commerce rights.
- Political: Could appeal to anti-tax sentiments by blocking perceived "user fees," but may draw criticism for hindering modern traffic solutions amid growing urban congestion; reflects debates over federal vs. local control in infrastructure policy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Malliotakis, Nicole [R-NY-11]
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. Van Drew, Jefferson [R-NJ-2]
Recent Actions
- 2025-01-14: Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
- 2025-01-13: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- 2025-01-13: Introduced in House
- 2025-01-13: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- To amend the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 to prohibit congestion or cordon pricing in a value pricing program, and for other purposes. — issued 2025-01-13 — PDF (2 pages)