H.R.1659 - Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1659, the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act, aims to address the shortage of commercial motor vehicle parking by establishing a competitive grant program. This program will fund projects that increase parking capacity and improve safety for truck drivers. The bill authorizes $151 million annually from 2025 to 2029 for these projects.
Expected Effects
The Act will likely lead to increased availability of truck parking spaces along Federal-aid highways. This will improve safety for truck drivers by reducing fatigue-related accidents and providing secure rest areas. It may also reduce congestion and improve the efficiency of freight transportation.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced highway safety through increased truck parking availability.
- Reduced driver fatigue and associated risks.
- Improved freight efficiency and reduced transportation costs.
- Potential for job creation in construction and maintenance of parking facilities.
- Support for local economies through increased truck stop and travel plaza activity.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased government spending and debt if not managed effectively.
- Possible environmental impacts from construction of new parking facilities.
- Risk of inefficient project selection if grant criteria are not rigorously applied.
- Potential for private entities to benefit disproportionately if public oversight is lacking.
- Limited impact if funding is insufficient to address the nationwide parking shortage.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) by regulating interstate commerce through improvements to the transportation infrastructure. The spending provisions are subject to Congress's power to appropriate funds (Article I, Section 9, Clause 7). The bill does not appear to infringe upon any individual liberties or rights protected by the Bill of Rights.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).