House Approves $200 Million to Tackle the Trucker Parking Crisis (And FMCSA Gets a $927M Payday)
Let’s be honest — truck parking in America has been a running joke with a not-so-funny punchline.
Every day, drivers wrap up their legal driving hours and ask the same question:
“Where am I supposed to park this 80,000-pound beast and actually get some rest?”
On July 17, Congress finally offered an answer. The House Appropriations Committee approved a fiscal 2026 funding bill that includes $200 million strictly for truck parking infrastructure. Not for studies. Not for fancy apps. Not for “pilot programs.” For real concrete and real parking spots.
🧭 From Potholes to Parking Pads: A Driver’s Daily Struggle
According to the American Transportation Research Institute, the lack of safe and legal parking ranks as one of the top issues facing the trucking industry — and it has for years. It’s not a new problem. It’s just one Congress has ignored.
But this time? We’re finally seeing dollars attached to solutions.
Henry Hanscom, the American Trucking Associations’ VP of legislative affairs, said this “substantial investment” could alleviate one of the most painful everyday problems for truckers — and make the roads safer for everyone.
Bottom line: when drivers can park, they can rest. And when they’re rested, everyone wins.
💸 Where’s the Money Going?
If the bill becomes law, the $200 million will be distributed through the Nationally Significant Multimodal Freight and Highway Projects grant program — a DOT initiative focused on freight movement and major infrastructure needs.
And here’s what makes this funding different:
★ The parking must be located on or near the Interstate, National Highway System, or National Freight Network
★ Facilities cannot charge drivers to park — it must be free access
★ No EV charging or fueling infrastructure allowed — this is 100% parking-focused
Translation? No gimmicks. No fluff. Just pavement, lines, and places for drivers to actually sleep.
🛑 FMCSA Gets a Raise (And Loses Some Weight)
Let’s shift gears.
The same bill gives $927 million to the FMCSA — that’s a 2% boost from last year. The money will go toward running the agency, managing grants, and enforcing safety programs.
But here’s the twist: while FMCSA gets more funding, it’s also proposing a 7% cut in staff, eliminating 89 full-time roles (mostly administrative). Compliance teams and field inspectors remain untouched.
So, while the budget grows, the agency’s getting leaner. Sounds a little like a New Year’s resolution — but this one might actually stick.
✂️ Some Common-Sense Carve-Outs
Now here’s where the trucker crowd starts clapping:
★ No ELD enforcement for haulers of livestock or insects (yes, bees still get special treatment)
★ No requirements for inward-facing cameras tied to certain apprenticeship programs
★ No funding for speed limiter rulemaking — which many carriers and drivers were worried about
In a political climate full of overreach, these exemptions are a breath of fresh air. Or at least a break from Big Brother in the cab.
🛣️ Big Picture: $89.91 Billion for DOT & HUD
Zooming out, the bill allocates $89.91 billion to fund both the Department of Transportation and Housing and Urban Development — about 4.7% less than last year.
And unlike past infrastructure packages that leaned heavily toward climate tech and EV initiatives, this one focuses on old-school transportation priorities: roads, bridges, airports, and yes — finally — truck parking.
Rep. Steve Womack (R‑Ark.), the bill’s sponsor, called it a chance to “rightsize” federal spending.
Rep. Tom Cole (R‑Okla.) said it would help improve how Americans travel, live, and grow.
🙅 The Pushback: Not Everyone’s Celebrating
Naturally, not everyone’s doing a victory lap.
Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D‑Conn.), the ranking Democrat on the Appropriations Committee, criticized the bill for cutting Amtrak, housing assistance, and community development funding. She argued it leaves working-class Americans with fewer options for affordable transportation.
The White House has also warned that without an agreement by October 1, the government faces another potential shutdown — which would freeze all DOT activity and halt the very programs this bill is trying to fund.
🎯 What This Means for Your Operation
This bill isn’t just about politics. It’s about safety, efficiency, and daily life for drivers and fleet managers.
Here’s what smart businesses are doing right now:
★ Educate your team. Let your drivers know help is on the horizon — and remind them that current rules still apply.
★ Review internal policies. With FMCSA getting more funding, compliance checks won’t be slowing down.
★ Plan for changes. If your fleet runs livestock, uses inward-facing cameras, or is navigating HOS pressures, this is the time to prep.
★ Speak up. Call your reps and voice your support for the parking funds and commonsense exemptions. Trucking needs more of both.
🔧 Want to Stay Ahead of the Chaos?
This is what we do at Eclipse DOT.
We cut through red tape, break down complex regulations, and help you build systems that keep your business compliant, audit-proof, and stress-free.
Need help understanding how this bill affects your drivers? Wondering if your files would pass an audit tomorrow? Just need someone to explain what a “Multimodal Freight Grant” even is?
👉 Book your FREE DOT Micro Audit at EclipseDOT.com
Or give us a call. We’ve got your back — no matter what Congress throws our way.
Because while Washington debates, your drivers still need a place to park tonight. And Eclipse DOT will make sure they can — safely, legally, and without the guesswork.
Gain exclusive access to our CDL & DOT Compliance articles with a trial at DOTDocs.com. And don’t forget to claim your FREE micro audit at THE ECLIPSE DOT MICRO AUDIT. Ready for seamless operations? Discover the difference today!