What does Preamble of HEAT Act of 2025 do?

This bill, formally titled 'To amend title 23, United States Code, to provide for emergency relief for repair or reconstruction of infrastructure damaged by extreme heat, and for other purposes,' aims to amend Title 23 of the United States Code. The bill's purpose is to provide emergency relief for the repair or reconstruction of infrastructure damaged by extreme heat.

What does SHORT TITLE. of HEAT Act of 2025 do?

This bill is formally titled the Heat Emergency Assistance for Transportation Act of 2025.

What does FINDINGS. of HEAT Act of 2025 do?

This section identifies extreme heat as an emerging threat to critical transportation infrastructure. High temperatures can damage bridges by causing expansion joint failure, concrete degradation, and weakening structural integrity. A significant number of bridges in the United States are over 50 years old and experiencing stress beyond their original design. Movable bridges are susceptible to operational challenges and failures during heat waves due to steel expansion. Cities like New York, Chicago, Portland, and Seattle have already implemented emergency cooling measures for bridges. Extreme heat poses a threat to economic continuity by disrupting freight movement, supply chains, and commuting. Current federal disaster programs do not explicitly recognize extreme heat as a qualifying event for Emergency Relief funding. Rural areas and regions with limited transportation redundancy face disproportionate risks from heat-related disruptions.

What does EMERGENCY RELIEF. of HEAT Act of 2025 do?

This section amends Section 125 of Title 23, United States Code. It inserts 'extreme heat' after 'severe storm' in subsection (a)(1). It adds a provision to subsection (b) excluding bridges where physical deterioration was substantially caused by extreme heat exposure. It replaces 'extreme weather, flooding, and other natural disasters' with 'extreme weather, heat waves, flooding, and other natural disasters' throughout the section.

What does STUDY ON EXTREME HEAT EVENTS. of HEAT Act of 2025 do?

This section requires the Secretary of Transportation to commission a study on extreme heat events. The study, conducted by the Transportation Research Board, will evaluate the measurable costs of extreme heat events, particularly long-duration, high-intensity heat waves. The study will also provide recommendations on tracking damage from extreme heat events, distinguishing it from regular deterioration. The study will examine how the Secretary can better assist transportation entities with tracking damage from extreme heat events. The Transportation Research Board must consult with various stakeholders during the study, including the EPA, state transportation departments, and experts in engineering and natural disaster management. The Transportation Research Board is required to submit a report detailing the study's results to the Secretary, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.

What does BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES REPORT. of HEAT Act of 2025 do?

This section requires the Secretary of Transportation to issue a report on best management practices. The report should address highway and bridge safety related to extreme heat. The report must be issued within one year of the Act's enactment.

Back to bills

HEAT Act of 2025

Last updated: 12/13/2025 · Introduced: 12/12/2025

Author: Greg Stanton (D-AZ)

TL;DR (AI)

The bill amends federal law to allow emergency relief funding for infrastructure damaged by extreme heat, similar to existing provisions for severe storms.
It mandates a study by the Transportation Research Board to assess the costs of extreme heat events on transportation infrastructure and recommend improved damage tracking methods.
The Secretary of Transportation must publish a report within one year outlining best management practices for highway and bridge safety related to extreme heat.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

Verified Votes

No verified votes yet.

Community Votes

No community votes yet. Be the first!

Voting as guest · Sign in for verified votes

Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 4 more.

6 sections

Click "Show details" to explore individual sections. Use the community vote above or visit All Sections to vote per section.

Read official text

Want the full experience?

Create a free account to cast verified votes on each section, get a personalized summary, and track your voting history.

Create Free Account