Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB422

Introduced
1/20/23  
Refer
1/20/23  

Caption

Anti-Congestion Tax Act This bill prohibits the Department of Transportation (DOT) from awarding capital investment grants to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority for projects in New York until DOT certifies that drivers using certain vehicular crossings (e.g., Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel, or George Washington Bridge) to enter into Manhattan receive exemptions from congestion fees. Drivers entering Manhattan using any of the crossings receive a federal tax credit at the end of the year equal to the amount paid in congestion fees.

Impact

If enacted, HB 422 would significantly impact how the MTA funds its projects and the financial burden placed on drivers entering Manhattan. The legislation's primary aim is to ensure that drivers are not doubly taxed through congestion fees when utilizing specific vehicular crossings, which some argue is critical to reducing traffic congestion and its associated economic costs. However, it also raises questions about the long-term financial stability of funding for the MTA and whether exempting drivers could lead to decreased revenue for essential transit projects.

Summary

House Bill 422, titled the Anti-Congestion Tax Act, aims to condition the awarding of capital investment grants by the Department of Transportation (DOT) to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) based on exemptions for drivers from certain congestion fees. This means that no grants can be awarded for MTA projects in New York State until it is certified that drivers using major vehicular crossings to enter Manhattan are exempted from congestion tolls charged for entering the congestion tolling zone. The bill proposes a tax credit equal to the amount of congestion tolls paid, providing financial relief to drivers affected by the new toll charges.

Contention

The bill has the potential to generate contention among various stakeholders, including lawmakers, urban planners, and the general driving public. Proponents argue it protects drivers from excessive fees and promotes fair tax practices, while opponents may raise concerns over potential losses in revenue for the MTA which relies heavily on these fees. Additionally, there could be concerns about whether such exemptions might lead to increased congestion or undermine initiatives aimed at reducing vehicle traffic in densely populated areas.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB344

Anti-Congestion Tax Act This bill prohibits the Department of Transportation (DOT) from awarding capital investment grants to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) for projects in New York until DOT certifies that vehicles using certain crossings to enter into Manhattan's congestion tolling zone receive exemptions from congestion tolls. The vehicular crossings include the Holland Tunnel, the Lincoln Tunnel, the George Washington Bridge, and any other crossing immediately before entry into the congestion tolling zone.As background, the MTA's Central Business District Tolling Program for New York City charges drivers a toll to enter an area in Manhattan designated as the Congestion Relief Zone. Under the bill, congestion tolling zone generally means any roadways, bridges, tunnels, approaches, or ramps that are located within, or enter to, the Congestion Relief Zone, with some modifications.Specifically, the bill requires the MTA to credit a vehicle for the vehicular crossing toll from the amount of the congestion toll charged to the vehicle for entering the congestion tolling zone.Further, the bill allows drivers entering Manhattan using any of the vehicular crossings immediately before entry into the congestion tolling zone to receive a federal tax credit at the end of the year equal to the amount paid in congestion tolls for using the crossing. 

US HB3531

STOP NJ CONGESTION Act Stop Taxation of Overburdened People from New Jersey by Correcting Obnoxious New Gimmick and Ensuring the Stability of Transportation Infrastructure from Obstinate Neighbors Act

US HB296

Commercial Cabins for Cabinet Members Act This bill prohibits the Department of Transportation from using charter air transportation until Congress enacts a law that authorizes appropriations to carry out activities of the Federal Aviation Administration for FY2024.

US SB1746

STOP NJ CONGESTION Act Stop Taxation of Overburdened People from New Jersey by Correcting Obnoxious New Gimmick and Ensuring the Stability of Transportation Infrastructure from Obstinate Neighbors Act

US AR60

Opposes City of New York congestion pricing plan.

US HB352

Motorist Tax Abuse ActThis bill prohibits the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) from establishing or maintaining cordon pricing for the Central Business District Tolling Program for New York City under the FHWA's Value Pricing Pilot Program. The New York program charges drivers a toll to enter an area in Manhattan designated as the Congestion Relief Zone. In general, cordon pricing is a form of congestion pricing that includes a zone-based pricing system that involves either variable or fixed charges to drive within or into a congested area within a city.

US HR27

This resolution disapproves of the Central Business District Tolling Program of New York City and strongly recommends that (1) New York conduct an economic impact report on the program, and (2) relevant federal agencies and New York halt the program's implementation. The tolling program, also known as congestion pricing, will charge drivers a toll to enter an area designated as Manhattan's central business district.

US SB814

Relating to the deposit and use of certain revenue received by the Texas Department of Transportation and metropolitan planning organizations from certain transportation projects or systems.

US A07697

Exempts residents of lower Manhattan and Staten Island from the congestion surcharge imposed under the tax law.

US S08952

Exempts residents of lower Manhattan and Staten Island from the congestion surcharge imposed under the tax law.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.