H.R.3822 - No Desire for Streetcars Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3822, the "No Desire for Streetcars Act," aims to amend Titles 23 and 49 of the United States Code to prohibit the use of funds from specific federal programs for streetcar projects. The bill targets programs such as the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program, Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program, Urbanized Area Formula Grants, and Fixed Guideway Capital Investment Grants. It explicitly states that funds from these programs cannot be used for the procurement, operation, or maintenance of streetcars.
Expected Effects
The likely effect of this bill, if enacted, would be to restrict the availability of federal funding for streetcar projects across the United States. This could lead to a decrease in the development and maintenance of streetcar systems. Consequently, cities and states might need to seek alternative funding sources or forgo streetcar projects altogether.
Potential Benefits
- Potentially redirects funds to other transportation infrastructure projects deemed more beneficial.
- May reduce federal spending on specific types of public transportation.
- Could lead to a focus on alternative transportation solutions.
- Aligns spending with local preferences if communities do not desire streetcar projects.
- May free up funds for road maintenance and other infrastructure needs.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Limits transportation options in urban areas.
- May hinder the development of environmentally friendly transportation solutions.
- Could negatively impact urban development and revitalization projects that rely on streetcars.
- Restricts local control over transportation planning.
- May reduce accessibility for certain populations who rely on public transportation.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution, particularly Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to collect taxes and provide for the general welfare. The decision to allocate federal funds for specific transportation projects falls within this purview. However, the Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, raising questions about the extent to which the federal government can restrict state transportation choices. There is no explicit constitutional provision directly addressing transportation funding restrictions.
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).