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.
Summary
HB351 would amend the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 to bar the U.S. Department of Transportation from establishing or maintaining a value pricing program that includes congestion pricing or cordon pricing. In practical terms, the bill targets tolling or fee-based systems that charge drivers for entering congested areas or specific zones, and it would prevent those approaches from being used under the federal value pricing authority referenced in the bill.
The measure is framed as a limitation on federal transportation policy rather than a broad rewrite of highway law. If enacted, it would narrow the Secretary of Transportation’s discretion under the existing value pricing program and could affect any state or local project seeking federal approval or support for congestion pricing, especially in dense urban areas. The bill does not create a new pricing program; it prohibits certain pricing models within the existing program.
Impact
HB351 would amend federal transportation law by adding an explicit prohibition on congestion pricing and cordon pricing within the value pricing program authorized under section 1012(b) of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991. This would constrain the Department of Transportation’s ability to approve or continue such programs under that authority and could limit federal support for state or local congestion-management initiatives that rely on charging drivers for access to certain roads or zones.
Sentiment
There is no recorded committee transcript or vote history in the provided materials, so no formal debate or roll-call sentiment is available. Based on the bill text and its referral status, the measure appears to reflect a policy position opposed to congestion pricing, likely appealing to lawmakers and constituents concerned about added driving costs, while drawing opposition from those who view congestion pricing as a traffic-management and revenue tool.
Contention
The central point of contention is whether congestion pricing and cordon pricing are legitimate tools for managing traffic and funding transportation improvements, or whether they unfairly burden drivers and restrict access to urban centers. Supporters of the prohibition are likely to argue that such fees amount to an extra tax on commuters and businesses, while opponents are likely to argue that banning these tools would reduce state and local flexibility to address congestion, emissions, and transit funding needs. No specific member statements or recorded votes are available in the provided context.
Motorist Tax Abuse ActThis bill prohibits the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) from establishing or maintaining cordon pricing for the Central Business District Tolling Program for New York City under the FHWA's Value Pricing Pilot Program. The New York program charges drivers a toll to enter an area in Manhattan designated as the Congestion Relief Zone. In general, cordon pricing is a form of congestion pricing that includes a zone-based pricing system that involves either variable or fixed charges to drive within or into a congested area within a city.
Alleviating Spaceport Traffic by Rewarding Operators Act of 2025This bill allows the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish a pilot grant program for projects to construct, repair, maintain, or improve transportation infrastructure and facilities for space launch and reentry sites. Launch and reentry site operators may use the grants for projects that (1) are located at, or adjacent to, a launch or reentry site; (2) directly enable or support transportation safety or transportation activities (i.e., the movement of people or property to, from, or within a launch site); and (3) are made generally available, subject to reasonable commercial terms.DOT may also issue a supplemental matching grant to an operator of a launch or reentry site.