Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

S.944 - Sarah Debbink Langenkamp Active Transportation Safety Act (119th Congress)

Summary

The Sarah Debbink Langenkamp Active Transportation Safety Act aims to improve the safety of bicyclists and pedestrians by amending Title 23 of the United States Code, which concerns the highway safety improvement program. The bill expands the types of projects eligible for funding under the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) to include connecting existing bicyclist and pedestrian infrastructure and reducing safety risks to vulnerable road users. It also increases the federal share of the cost for certain highway safety improvement projects related to bicycle and pedestrian safety.

Expected Effects

The likely effect of this bill is an increase in funding and resources dedicated to improving infrastructure for bicyclists and pedestrians. This could lead to safer roads and increased use of active transportation options. The bill also incentivizes states and local governments to prioritize vulnerable road users in their transportation planning.

Potential Benefits

  • Increased safety for bicyclists and pedestrians through infrastructure improvements.
  • Improved connectivity of existing bicycle and pedestrian networks.
  • Greater access to funding for states and local governments to implement safety projects.
  • Encouragement of active transportation, which can improve public health.
  • Potential reduction in traffic congestion and pollution through increased bicycle and pedestrian use.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Potential for increased federal spending on transportation projects.
  • Possible delays in project implementation due to bureaucratic processes.
  • Risk that funds may not be allocated effectively or efficiently.
  • Potential for unintended consequences if projects are not well-planned or implemented.
  • The bill's effectiveness depends on the willingness of states and local governments to prioritize bicycle and pedestrian safety.

Constitutional Alignment

The bill appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble). Article I, Section 8, Clause 1 grants Congress the power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States. The bill falls under the purview of Congress's power to regulate interstate commerce (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) as it relates to transportation and infrastructure.

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).