Rep. Vince Fong Introduces Surface Transportation Research and Development Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. - This week, Rep. Vince Fong (CA-20) introduced H.R. 8748 the Surface Transportation Research and Development Act of 2026. The bill is being co-led by Rep. Emilia Sykes (OH-13).

The Surface Transportation Research and Development Act would extend and improve critical Department of Transportation (DOT) programs in research, technology, and data through FY2031. It aims to strengthen how transportation data and statistics are collected and coordinated, invest in university partnerships and open research, and focus new attention on emerging technologies and infrastructure resilience. Overall, the bill cements the DOT's mission to harness science and technology in making America's transportation systems safer, more efficient, and more resilient.

"America's transportation systems must keep pace with the demands of a growing economy and rapidly evolving technology," said Rep. Fong. "This bill invests in the research, innovation, and advanced technologies needed to modernize our infrastructure, improve safety, and strengthen performance across our transportation network. By embracing innovation and upgrading critical systems, we are helping ensure America remains a global leader in transportation and infrastructure."

"America's transportation systems depend on continued investment in research, innovation, and data-driven decision-making to improve safety, efficiency, and long-term resilience. I thank Congressman Fong for his leadership on this legislation, which strengthens key research programs and helps advance science- and technology-driven solutions for the future of our transportation infrastructure." - House Science, Space, and Technology Chairman Brian Babin.

"I'm proud to lead this important legislation to reauthorize critical transportation research programs that help increase safety, reduce congestion, and bolster resilient building practices. Investing in coordinated research at the Department of Transportation will help us get where we need to go safely and efficiently," said Rep. Sykes. "As a member of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee and Vice Ranking Member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I am committed to strengthening the research and data used to implement vital transit policies, including safety standards for hazardous materials on freight rail, like those included in my bipartisan bill, the RAIL Act. I look forward to seeing the inclusion of this important legislation in the Surface Transportation Reauthorization."

Key Provisions:

• Strengthens Research and Innovation:
  • Locks in federal investment through FY2031 across a broad range of transportation R&D - from highway and intermodal innovation to university partnerships, open research, and rail programs.
• Bolsters Transportation Data:
  • Establishes a new Transportation Statistics Coordination Council that would improve departmental coordination, setting shared standards and improving how DOT collects, secures, and uses data across its agencies.
• Analyzing Emerging Technology and Innovation:
  • Directs the DOT to study the safety impacts of emerging vehicle headlamp technologies, including LED and matrix LED systems, with a focus on driver visibility, glare exposure, and broader roadway safety.
• Builds Infrastructure to Last:
  • Requires a national strategy on reclaimed asphalt pavement for smarter, more durable road materials, while expanded rail research to tackle the infrastructure safety demands of a rapidly evolving transportation landscape.

To read the bill text, click here.