H.R.2979 - Building Up Infrastructure for Local Departments Act of 2025; BUILD Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 2979, the BUILD Act of 2025, aims to support infrastructure investment in small law enforcement agencies and fire departments serving jurisdictions with fewer than 50,000 residents. The bill authorizes the Attorney General and the Administrator of FEMA to make grants for facility modification, upgrades, and construction. It also mandates studies and reports on the construction and renovation needs of these agencies.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely lead to improved facilities and equipment for small law enforcement and fire departments. This could enhance their ability to provide emergency services, training, and community engagement. The grants, capped at $4,000,000 each, are to be funded through appropriations of $250,000,000 per fiscal year from 2026 through 2028 for both law enforcement and fire departments.
Potential Benefits
- Improved emergency services in smaller communities.
- Enhanced training and development opportunities for law enforcement and fire personnel.
- Increased recruitment and retention of law enforcement and fire personnel.
- Strengthened community engagement through better facilities.
- Modernized infrastructure for public safety agencies in underserved areas.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for bureaucratic delays in grant distribution.
- Risk of inequitable distribution of funds despite the stated intent.
- Increased federal spending, potentially impacting the national debt.
- Possible overlap or duplication of efforts with existing grant programs.
- The focus on infrastructure might overshadow other critical needs, such as personnel or equipment.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble). It also aligns with the necessary and proper clause (Article I, Section 8) as it provides means to execute the powers of the government by supporting local law enforcement and fire departments, which are crucial for maintaining domestic tranquility and providing for the common defense at a local level. However, the Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, so the federal role must be balanced with state and local autonomy.
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).