Surface Transportation Research and Development Act of 2026

Bill Number

H.R. 8748

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Transportation and Public Works

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-05-20: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.

Last Updated

2026-06-03T15:30:49Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Surface Transportation Research and Development Act of 2026 (H.R. 8748) directs the Secretary of Transportation to advance research, development, and deployment in surface transportation areas like highways, rail, data statistics, university programs, and innovative materials/technologies. It extends funding authorizations, creates new coordination bodies, and mandates studies and strategies to improve safety, efficiency, and sustainability.

Key Provisions

• Technology and Innovation Programs (Sec. 2): Extends federal support for highway and intermodal research programs through fiscal years 2027–2031.
• Transportation Statistics Updates (Sec. 3): Specifies the Bureau of Transportation Statistics Director's location within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology; grants the Bureau exclusive authority over certain statistical roles; requires data protection, confidentiality, and adherence to federal best practices for statistical purposes (defined as using data for analysis without individual identification).
• Transportation Statistics Coordination Council (Sec. 4): Establishes a new council (within 90 days of enactment) with representatives from DOT operating administrations to coordinate data activities, reduce duplication/fragmentation, minimize reporting burdens on governments and private entities, and develop department-wide data standards. Requires a comprehensive report to Congress within 3 years on inventories, elimination plans, governance, and barriers.
• University Transportation Centers (Sec. 5): Removes limits on the number of designated centers; extends program through fiscal years 2027–2031.
• Open Research Initiative (Sec. 6): Shifts to annual (from biennial) planning; extends through 2031; mandates an implementation plan within 2 years to transition the pilot to a permanent program, with a congressional report.
• Headlamp Technology Study (Sec. 7): Requires a study (via agreement with an expert entity, starting within 180 days) on high-intensity LED/matrix LED headlamps' effects on visibility, glare, and safety (focusing on older drivers and vulnerable road users); includes recommendations and a public report within 2 years.
• Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement Strategy (Sec. 8): Mandates a strategy (within 1 year, via Federal Highway Administration) to standardize and increase use of recycled asphalt pavement nationwide while maintaining quality; includes reviews, cost analyses, standards development, and recommendations after consultations with stakeholders.
• Rail Research Programs (Sec. 9): Expands priorities to include safety challenges in modern rail infrastructure/technology and hazardous materials standards; extends authorizations through 2031.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Authorization Extensions: Multiple programs shift from expiring in 2026 (or earlier) to 2031, providing long-term funding stability (e.g., highway tech, university centers, open research, rail).
• Structural Enhancements: Adds Bureau exclusivity over statistics; creates a new coordination council (49 U.S.C. § 6302A); relocates Director; mandates data governance and burden reduction.
• New Mandates: Introduces headlamp study, asphalt strategy, open research transition plan, and rail safety priorities not previously specified.
• Procedural Shifts: Removes center limits; changes reporting frequencies; emphasizes best practices under laws like the Paperwork Reduction Act (title 44) and Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act.

Potential Impacts

• Government Agencies: Department of Transportation (DOT) and sub-agencies (e.g., Federal Highway Administration, Bureau of Transportation Statistics) gain clearer authority, reduced data duplication, and extended funding, potentially streamlining operations and cutting costs via centralized repositories.
• Citizens: Could improve road safety (via headlamp/glare research and rail safety), lower infrastructure costs (recycled asphalt), and enhance transportation efficiency through innovation.
• International Relations: None directly addressed.
• Broader Effects: Promotes sustainable practices (e.g., recycled materials) and data-driven decisions, possibly reducing taxpayer burdens from redundant reporting.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• DOT and Federal Agencies: Lead implementers (e.g., Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology, operating administrations).
• State/Local/Tribal Governments and Planning Organizations: Benefit from reduced data burdens and asphalt/rail guidance.
• Universities and Research Institutions: Expanded funding and roles in centers/open research.
• Private Sector: Asphalt producers, rail operators, auto manufacturers (headlamps), via standards, safety reviews, and opportunities.
• Public/Road Users: Drivers, pedestrians, cyclists impacted by safety studies.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Strengthens compliance with federal data laws (e.g., confidentiality under 44 U.S.C. ch. 35); enables inter-agency agreements (31 U.S.C. § 1535) for consolidation; no new regulatory powers, focusing on studies/strategies.
• Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's commerce clause authority over transportation; emphasizes executive coordination without overriding state roles.
• Political: Bipartisan introduction (Reps. Fong and Sykes); referred to key committees; promotes efficiency and innovation without major spending mandates, potentially aiding infrastructure debates.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Fong, Vince [R-CA-20]

Cosponsors (1)

Rep. Sykes, Emilia Strong [D-OH-13]

Recent Actions

• 2026-05-20: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
• 2026-05-20: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
• 2026-05-12: Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2026-05-12: Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2026-05-12: Introduced in House
• 2026-05-12: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Surface Transportation Research and Development Act of 2026 — issued 2026-05-12 — PDF (16 pages)