Federal Aid for Highways: A Look Back at a Pivotal 1938 Senate Report
On August 15, 2025, at 18:09, govinfo.gov’s Congressional SerialSet published a significant historical document: “S. Rept. 75-1794 – Federal aid for highways.” This report, originating from the Senate Committee on Post Offices and Post Roads, provides a detailed examination of H.R. 10140, an act intended to amend the Federal Aid Road Act of 1916. The report, dated May 14, 1938, also includes supplementary views from Senators Gibson and Bridges, offering valuable insight into the legislative deliberations of that era.
The Federal Aid Road Act, originally passed in 1916, laid the groundwork for federal government involvement in the development and improvement of the nation’s road infrastructure. By 1938, the landscape of transportation had evolved considerably, necessitating adjustments and further federal support to meet the growing demands of a motor-reliant society. H.R. 10140, as analyzed in this report, represented an effort to adapt and enhance the existing federal aid framework.
The report’s focus on amending and supplementing the Federal Aid Road Act suggests a legislative intent to refine the mechanisms by which federal funds were allocated for highway projects. This could have encompassed a range of issues, such as changes in funding formulas, eligibility criteria for projects, the role of state and local governments, or the types of roads that qualified for federal assistance. Understanding the specific provisions of H.R. 10140 would offer a clearer picture of the challenges and priorities in highway development during the late 1930s.
Furthermore, the inclusion of views from Senators Gibson and Bridges is particularly noteworthy. Dissenting or supplementary opinions from committee members often highlight areas of debate, differing philosophies on government spending, or specific concerns about the proposed legislation. These individual perspectives can provide a more nuanced understanding of the legislative process and the various interests at play. For historians, policy analysts, and those interested in the evolution of American infrastructure policy, these additional viewpoints offer a richer context to the report’s findings.
The publication of this historical Senate report by govinfo.gov underscores the enduring importance of accessible government information. It allows for a deeper appreciation of the legislative efforts that shaped the nation’s transportation networks, and provides valuable historical context for contemporary discussions on infrastructure investment and policy. This document serves as a reminder of the continuous effort to adapt and improve federal programs in response to societal and technological changes.
AI has delivered the news.
The answer to the following question is obtained from Google Gemini.
govinfo.gov Congressional SerialSet published ‘S. Rept. 75-1794 – Federal aid for highways. Report of the Committee on Post Offices and Posts Roads on H.R. 10140, an act to amend the Federal Aid Road Act, approved July 11, 1916, as amended and supplemented, and for other purposes, together with the views of Mr. Gibson and Mr. Bridges. May 14, 1938. — Ordered to be printed’ at 2025-08-15 18:09. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.