Protection of Lawful Commerce in Stone Slab Products Act
In Committee
Introduced:Sep 17, 2025
Primary Sponsor
Tom McClintock
Representative
Republican
CA-5
Cosponsors
7
Quick Stats
Policy Area
Transportation and Public Works
Summary
This bill aims to help improve transportation infrastructure in rural and small town communities across the United States. It redefines what counts as a 'rural area' for a federal grant program, making it easier for more places to qualify. The bill also sets aside a portion of the program's funds specifically for projects in the smallest communities, and allows the grants to be used for a wider range of transportation-related improvements.
Latest Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
This bill aims to help improve transportation infrastructure in rural and small town communities across the United States. It redefines what counts as a 'rural area' for a federal grant program, making it easier for more places to qualify. The bill also sets aside a portion of the program's funds specifically for projects in the smallest communities, and allows the grants to be used for a wider range of transportation-related improvements.
Last updated: 12/29/2025
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><strong>Protecting Infrastructure Investments for Rural America Act </strong></p><p>This bill modifies the definition of rural area that is used for the Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program and adds provisions for small communities.</p><p>As background, the grant program supports projects that improve and expand the surface transportation infrastructure in rural areas. Eligible applicants for the grant program include states, regional transportation planning organizations, local governments, and tribal governments.</p><p>For purposes of the program, the bill defines <em>rural area </em>as an area outside an urbanized area that has a population of 20,000 or less. Current law requires a rural area to be outside of an urbanized area with a population of over 200,000.</p><p>The bill includes provisions for small communities (i.e., an area outside an urbanized area and that has a population of 5,000 or less). The bill sets the maximum federal cost-share at 90% for project grants carried out in a small community. The Department of Transportation (DOT) must use at least 5% of the program's annual funds to provide grants for projects in small communities. The bill also removes the prohibition against DOT using more than 10% of program funds for grants that are under $25 million.</p><p>Further, program grants may be used for highway, road, bridge, or tunnel projects that would benefit the economic development or quality of life for citizens of the local community.</p><p>The bill also specifies that the program's goals include the generation of economic growth and development in rural areas. </p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Redefines 'rural area' for a federal transportation grant program to be an area outside of an urbanized zone with a population under 20,000, down from the current 200,000 threshold.
Requires at least 5% of the program's annual funding to go toward projects in 'small communities' with populations under 5,000.
Removes a restriction on using more than 10% of funds for grants under $25 million.
Allows the grants to be used for highway, road, bridge, and tunnel projects that would benefit economic development or quality of life in rural communities.
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
If passed, this bill would make it easier for more rural and small-town communities across the U.S. to access federal funding to improve their local transportation infrastructure. This could lead to new road, bridge, and other infrastructure projects that support economic growth and improve the daily lives of residents in these areas.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Transportation and Public Works
Related Subjects
Infrastructure development
Roads and highways
Rural conditions and development
Transportation programs funding
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
5437, 119th Congress (2025). "Protection of Lawful Commerce in Stone Slab Products Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-5437
