Need for Speed Act
- Sponsor
- Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX]
- Committees
- Environment and Public Works Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Feb 24, 2026
Bottom line
The "Need for Speed Act" establishes a national data integration tool to improve understanding and response to traffic congestion across the United States, funded with $50 million.
What it actually does
The bill mandates the Secretary of Transportation to collaborate with a university-based transportation research institute to create and maintain a national infrastructure intelligence tool. This tool will integrate various federal, state, local, and private data sets to identify, analyze, and quantify traffic congestion, ultimately facilitating the deployment of resources for congestion mitigation. It specifies the types of data to be included and authorizes $50,000,000 from the Highway Trust Fund for its development and maintenance.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that a centralized, comprehensive national tool for congestion data will enable more informed and efficient investment and operational decisions by transportation agencies at all levels. They contend that by integrating diverse data sources and providing consistent performance metrics, the tool will lead to more effective congestion mitigation strategies, ultimately saving time, reducing fuel consumption, and improving freight mobility and safety.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that creating a new federal tool could duplicate existing efforts by state and local agencies or private entities, leading to unnecessary bureaucracy and expense. They might also raise concerns about data privacy, the practical challenges of integrating such a wide array of data sources consistently, or question whether the authorized funding is sufficient or efficiently allocated compared to direct infrastructure investments.
The bill is concise and clearly written, making it highly accessible for a reader to understand its core provisions quickly.
Section 2(a), new section 506(a) of title 23, United States Code
Mandate for National Infrastructure Intelligence Tool Development
This provision requires the Secretary of Transportation to work with a university-based transportation research institute to create and maintain a national tool. This tool will integrate various data sets, aligned with a standard roadway inventory network, to be used by federal, state, and local transportation agencies for understanding and addressing congestion.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this centralized tool will provide a consistent, data-driven foundation for all levels of government to make better decisions about infrastructure investments and operational improvements, leading to more effective congestion relief.
Critics contend
Critics might suggest that mandating a specific type of partnership (university-based institute) could limit flexibility or competition, or that the focus on a single national tool might not adequately address diverse regional needs.
Tradeoffs
Balances the need for a consistent national data standard against the potential for local customization and innovation in congestion management.
Section 2(a), new sections 506(b) and 506(c) of title 23, United States Code
Tool Objectives and Required Data Sources
This section outlines that the tool's primary goal is to serve as a national resource for congestion mitigation by identifying congestion locations, determining causes, quantifying impacts, and enabling rapid deployment of resources. It also specifies a wide range of publicly available data sources to be integrated, including speed data, origin/destination information, crash data, asset condition data, commodity data, and truck parking data, alongside existing federal and state congestion tools.
Section 2(a), new section 506(f) of title 23, United States Code
Authorization of Appropriations
This provision authorizes the appropriation of $50,000,000 from the Highway Trust Fund (excluding the Mass Transit Account) to fund the development and maintenance of the national infrastructure intelligence tool. These funds are available for five fiscal years and are in addition to any other amounts made available.