The BUILD America 250 Act is a bipartisan, five-year reauthorization totaling $580 billion, with $474 billion guaranteed in immediate Highway Trust Fund authority and $106 billion to be provided through annual appropriations over five years.

The White House backs the legislation, including provisions like the Railway Safety Act, the repeal of the Carbon Reduction Program, and support for a federal framework to enable autonomous commercial vehicles such as robotaxis and delivery trucks.

To offset lost gas tax revenue and address road wear from heavier EV batteries, the bill would require states to impose minimum annual registration fees on electric vehicles ($130) and plug-in hybrids ($35, with further energy-capacity-based details to follow).

Rail safety is a central bipartisan priority, with $65 billion proposed for the Federal Railroad Administration, higher penalties for serious safety violations, a Railway Safety Act mandate for at least two crew members on most freight trains, and expanded defect-detection technology in response to the 2023 East Palestine derailment.

The act envisions a substantial federal push to invest in bridges and transportation infrastructure, funding maintenance, repair, and construction of highways and mass transit while addressing dwindling Highway Trust Fund resources.

With the House session window tightening ahead of a Sept. 30 Highway funding expiration, leadership is expected to pursue a short-term extension since a floor vote on the BUILD America 250 Act has not yet been scheduled.