Bringing Better Infrastructure to OH-13

Congresswoman Sykes voted in both the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology to advance critical transportation legislation, including many of her bills and priorities. H.R. 8748, the BUILD America 250 Act now heads to the full House for consideration. In Ohio, we are affectionately known as the heart of it all, and a big reason why is our transportation network that connects us to the rest of the country. Congresswoman Sykes is proud to have championed several key initiatives in this bill that will strengthen Northeast Ohio’s infrastructure by increasing rail safety standards, improving emergency response preparedness, and protecting our communities. The BUILD America 250 Act: Strengthens Research and Innovation: Locks in federal investment through FY2031 across a broad range of transportation Research & Development — 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 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, sustainable, more durable road materials. Enhances Rail Safety: Expands rail research to tackle the infrastructure safety demands of a rapidly evolving transportation landscape. This includes research into safety standards for hazardous materials on freight rail so we can prevent disasters, like what happened in East Palestine, from happening again.