HB8349, titled the No TAP Act of 2026, would amend section 133 of title 23 of the U.S. Code to eliminate a specific federal-aid highway funding set-aside for transportation alternatives programs. In practical terms, the bill removes the statutory requirement that a portion of Surface Transportation Block Grant Program funds be reserved for these programs and makes related technical changes throughout title 23 to conform to that repeal.
The bill also updates cross-references and conforming language in related provisions governing transferability of federal-aid highway funds and metropolitan transportation planning. These changes are largely structural and administrative, but they would alter how certain transportation funds are allocated and referenced under federal highway law.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would repeal the transportation alternatives set-aside in the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program, changing the distribution of federal highway funds and giving states and local transportation agencies more flexibility over those dollars. It would also amend related statutes in title 23 to remove references to the eliminated set-aside and adjust planning and transfer provisions accordingly, affecting how transportation funding is administered under federal law.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee debate or votes, the available context suggests a neutral-to-supportive framing from the sponsor, focused on simplifying federal transportation funding rules and removing a mandated set-aside. There is no recorded opposition or formal vote history in the provided materials, so broader sentiment cannot be measured from the available record.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely the elimination of the transportation alternatives funding set-aside itself. Supporters may view the change as increasing state flexibility and reducing federal earmarking, while opponents could argue that it weakens dedicated support for biking, walking, trails, and other non-highway transportation projects. No specific committee objections or named opposing stakeholders are included in the provided record.