[Stay on top of transportation news: Get TTNews in your inbox.] House Leaders Graves, Larsen Unveil 5-Year Highway Bill Build America 250 Act Adds Autonomous Truck Framework Key Takeaways: - House transportation leaders released the BUILD America 250 Act on May 17, proposing the first federal framework for autonomous commercial motor vehicles. - The bill would reauthorize surface transportation programs and provide more than $50 billion for bridges, which supporters called record federal investment. - Committee leaders plan formal introduction and markup, aiming to send a reauthorization bill to the president before authority expires Sept. 30. House transportation leaders released the text of a bipartisan, five-year highway policy bill May 17 that would invest in the nation’s roads and bridges and create the first federal framework for autonomous commercial motor vehicles. The BUILD America 250 Act, co-sponsored by House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-Mo.) and ranking member Rick Larsen (D-Wash.), would reauthorize federal surface transportation programs covering roads, bridges, transit, rail, highway safety and motor carrier safety. The measure would provide more than $50 billion for bridges, which Graves described as the largest bridge investment in U.S. history. The committee said the bill focuses on existing surface transportation programs, passenger rail investments and reforms, rail safety, transportation project efficiency, innovation and highway and motor carrier safety. Graves called the legislation “the most important surface transportation bill since President Eisenhower built the Interstate Highway System,” citing bridge funding, electric vehicle user fees, regulatory changes and greater flexibility for states. “Like the America 250 celebration this year, this bill is not simply about honoring our past — it’s about moving forward and building upon the legacy of our nation’s infrastructure,” Graves said. Build America 250 Act Bill Text Larsen said the proposal reflects a bipartisan compromise, while noting that