U.S. Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn of Texas, along with Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego of Arizona, have reintroduced the Highway Formula Fairness Act. The bipartisan bill aims to change how federal highway funds are distributed, ensuring states receive allocations that match their contributions to the Highway Trust Fund (HTF).
Senator Cruz stated, “Texas is the second-largest contributor to the Highway Trust Fund (HTF), yet it has received a smaller share relative to its contributions than any other state over the life of the fund. This disparity is particularly untenable because Texas is growing rapidly, with a population that has increased by more than 4 million in a decade. This legislation will ensure we have a highway funding formula that guarantees every state receives its fair share of infrastructure investment. It is bipartisan, common sense, and should be advanced by Congress and sent to the President.”
Senator Cornyn added, “The Lone Star State should not be forced to pay disproportionately more than other states to maintain federal highways, putting an undue burden on Texas taxpayers. By guaranteeing all states receive at least 95% of what they contribute to the Highway Trust Fund, this legislation would ensure fairness, transparency, and predictability for the distribution of federal highway resources and critical infrastructure projects in Texas, and I’m proud to support it.”
Senator Kelly said, “Arizona is one of the fastest-growing states, but we’ve been shortchanged for decades when it comes to federal funding for our highways, roads, and bridges. Arizonans send their tax dollars to Washington, and we should be getting our fair share back to improve our infrastructure and keep the economy moving.”
Representative Chip Roy introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives. He said, “For too long, Texas has been shortchanged by the Highway Trust Fund, receiving less than our fair share of the dollars we send to Washington. Senator Cruz and I reintroduced this bill to fix that and ensure at least a 95 percent return on every dollar Texans contribute.”
The proposal has received support from transportation officials in Texas. Steven D. Alvis from the Texas Transportation Commission commented,“As Congress works on the next surface transportation reauthorization bill, fairness in the distribution of highway funding for states must be a priority. TxDOT appreciates Senator Cruz and Congressman Roy for reintroducing the Highway Formula Fairness Act, offering a straightforward way to modernize outdated formulas and better align funding with what states contribute to the Highway Trust Fund.”
The HTF collects revenue primarily through federal fuel taxes and allocates these funds for national highways and surface transportation projects.
According to recent Department of Transportation data from Fiscal Year 2023, Texas contributed about 12 percent of total HTF revenues but received less than 10 percent in return through apportionments and allocations.
If enacted into law, this legislation would guarantee that each state receives at least as much as it contributes—no less than 95 percent—addressing long-standing concerns about disparities in highway funding distribution.
Senator Cruz previously introduced similar bills in June 2021 and February 2023.
Ted Cruz was re-elected as U.S. Senator from Texas after defeating Colin Allred in 2024 with 53.1% of votes compared to Allred's 44.6%. He also won elections against Beto O'Rourke in 2018 (50.9% vs. 48.3%) and Paul Sadler in 2012 (56.5% vs. 40.6%).
