Davids Votes to Advance Key Bipartisan Transportation Bill to Invest in Roads, Bridges, Transit, Rail

WASHINGTON, DC — Early this morning, Representative Sharice Davids voted to advance the bipartisan BUILD America 250 Act out of the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee — a five-year surface transportation reauthorization bill investing in roads, bridges, transit, rail, and transportation safety programs. While it does not include every Davids-supported provision, it creates good-paying jobs, strengthens the economy, and improves the safe and efficient movement of people and goods.

“When infrastructure works well, it shows up in everyday life — less time sitting in traffic, businesses moving products, safer trips for families, and lower costs at the end of the month,” said Davids. “This bipartisan package is about making those basic things work the way they should, while creating good-paying jobs and ensuring Kansas and the country stay competitive in a global economy. We’ll keep improving it as it moves through Congress.”

The legislation builds on the bipartisan infrastructure law — which Davids was the only Kansas Member to support — by investing in projects that improve the nation’s transportation systems, support workers, and maintain Buy America protections that strengthen American jobs and manufacturing.

Specifically, the legislation includes support for:

• repairing and replacing aging bridges and roads;
• improving rail and transit systems;
• expanding bicycle and pedestrian safety infrastructure;
• improving accessibility at transit stations for Kansans with disabilities;
• giving local governments flexibility to pursue projects tailored to their communities;
• reconnecting neighborhoods divided by major highways;
• and more.

The bipartisan infrastructure law, which has been called the most fiscally responsible infrastructure bill in the last decade by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, is funded through a combination of new revenues and existing savings. To date, more than $3.2 billion has been invested in Kansas through the bipartisan infrastructure law – from expanding statewide rural broadband access, lead pipe replacements in Olathe, safety initiatives in Kansas City, and long-overdue upgrades to K-68 in Miami County.

Because federal surface transportation programs must be reauthorized on a regular cycle, Congress is required to pass a long-term bill to keep national investments in roads, bridges, transit, rail, and safety programs moving forward. The current authorization expires on September 30, 2026, and without action, states and local governments could face delays and uncertainty for critical infrastructure projects already underway.