Motorist Tax Abuse Act

Bill Number

H.R. 352

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

2025-02-18T15:44:33Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The legislation, titled the "Motorist Tax Abuse Act" (H.R. 352), aims to prevent the implementation or continuation of a specific type of tolling system—known as cordon pricing—in New York City's Central Business District Tolling Program. Cordon pricing refers to charging fees for vehicles entering a designated urban area to reduce traffic congestion. This bill seeks to protect motorists from what its sponsor views as an unfair tax by blocking this federal pilot program option.

Key Provisions

• Amendment to Existing Law: The bill modifies Section 1012(b) of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (codified under 23 U.S.C. 149 note) by adding a new paragraph (9).
• Specific Prohibition: It explicitly bans the Secretary of Transportation from establishing or maintaining cordon pricing under the Value Pricing Pilot Program for New York City's Central Business District Tolling Program, regardless of other provisions in the subsection.
• Scope: The prohibition applies only to this particular program in New York City and does not affect other congestion pricing initiatives elsewhere.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Introduction of a Targeted Ban: Prior to this amendment, the Value Pricing Pilot Program allowed federal approval for experimental tolling strategies, including cordon pricing, to test ways to manage traffic and fund infrastructure. This bill introduces a narrow exception, permanently prohibiting cordon pricing specifically for New York City's program.
• Override Clause: The new provision uses "notwithstanding any other provision," meaning it takes precedence over conflicting parts of the existing law, ensuring the ban cannot be easily bypassed.

Potential Impacts

• On Citizens: New York City drivers and commuters could avoid new toll fees (potentially $15–$23 per entry during peak hours, based on prior proposals), reducing financial burdens but possibly leading to increased traffic congestion without alternative revenue for transit improvements.
• On Government Agencies: The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) loses flexibility in approving this pilot, potentially delaying or halting the program. New York State and City agencies may need to seek alternative funding for subway and bus upgrades, as the tolls were intended to generate about $1 billion annually.
• On International Relations: No direct impacts, as this is a domestic transportation policy issue.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Motorists and Residents: Primarily drivers entering Manhattan's Central Business District (below 60th Street), who would benefit from avoiding tolls but may face worsened traffic.
• New York City and State Governments: Local authorities planning the tolling program could see funding shortfalls for public transit, affecting millions of daily riders.
• Federal Government: The DOT and Congress, as the bill limits federal pilot program authority in urban mobility experiments.
• Transit Advocates and Businesses: Public transit users might lose improvements to buses and subways, while businesses in the district could experience ongoing congestion issues.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal Implications: The bill reinforces federal oversight of interstate transportation funding but creates a precedent for Congress to intervene in specific local projects, potentially leading to legal challenges from New York officials on grounds of federalism (the division of powers between federal and state governments).
• Constitutional Implications: No direct conflicts with the Constitution, but it touches on the Commerce Clause (federal authority over interstate highways) by limiting state experimentation with tolls on federally aided roads.
• Political Implications: This could spark debates on urban policy, with supporters viewing it as relief from "taxation without representation" for suburban commuters, while opponents may argue it undermines efforts to combat climate change through reduced vehicle emissions and improved public transit. As an introduced bill in the 119th Congress (January 13, 2025), its passage depends on committee approval and broader political support.

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

• Motorist Tax Abuse Act — issued 2025-01-13 — PDF (2 pages)