Us Congress House Bill HB4847

Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 8/1/25
• Refer: 8/1/25

Caption

Transportation Emergency Relief Extension Act

Impact

The proposed changes through HB 4847 would provide state governments greater latitude in managing the timelines for their transportation projects, especially in disaster-stricken areas. By allowing for more time to initiate construction, it is expected that states will be able to plan and execute their projects more effectively, adapting to local circumstances that may vary significantly following a disaster. This can potentially lead to more comprehensive and successfully completed emergency projects that align with the specific needs of affected states.

Summary

House Bill 4847, known as the 'Transportation Emergency Relief Extension Act', proposes amendments to Title 23 of the United States Code to enhance flexibility for emergency relief projects. The bill allows for an extended timeframe for projects funded under this section to advance to the construction obligation stage. Specifically, the Secretary of Transportation would not be able to impose a deadline before the sixth fiscal year following the declaration of an emergency by either the Governor or the President. This extension is aimed at enabling states to better handle emergency responses, particularly after substantial disasters, without facing immediate deadlines that might hinder recovery efforts.

Contention

While the bill was designed to facilitate quicker and more flexible responses to transportation emergencies, there may be points of contention around how it will be implemented and the corresponding oversight by federal authorities. Some lawmakers might argue that such flexibility could lead to a lack of accountability in the use of federal funds, while others might contend that it is essential for states that often struggle with the rapid reallocation of resources in response to emergencies. The balance between expedited aid and adequate oversight will likely be debated as the bill progresses through legislative scrutiny.