H.R. 8785 aims to amend existing legislation regarding the distribution of federal funding for public transit. Specifically, it seeks to allocate funds to medium-sized cities that have a high demand for transit services, ensuring that these cities receive appropriate financial support to improve and maintain their transit systems.
H.R. 8785 was introduced in the 119th Congress by Salud Carbajal (Democrat) and is currently listed as “Introduced”. It is classified under the Transportation and Public Works policy area, one of 163 bills in that area we track this Congress.
Salud Carbajal is the sponsor of 3 bills in our database this Congress, so H.R. 8785 is part of a broader legislative agenda rather than a one-off proposal.
Senate lobbying disclosures list 15 organizations lobbying on this bill’s issue area, 2 of which also donated to the sponsor.
Our conflict-of-interest analysis rates H.R. 8785 3/10 (low risk), higher than 87% of analyzed bills; the average in Transportation and Public Works is 2.1/10.
Supporters of H.R. 8785 have praised the bill for recognizing the needs of medium-sized cities, which often struggle to compete for federal transit funding. They argue that this legislation will enhance public transportation options, reduce congestion, and promote economic growth in urban areas that are transit-intensive.
Critics of H.R. 8785 have expressed concerns that the bill may divert funds from larger cities or other essential transit projects. Some argue that the criteria for 'medium-sized transit intensive cities' could be too vague, potentially leading to misallocation of resources and undermining the overall effectiveness of the federal transit funding system.
While there are no direct industry overlaps between the bill's subject matter and the sponsor's top donor industries, the lobbying activity in the transit policy area raises some concerns. The presence of USIG Digital, which has donated $15,000 to Salud Carbajal, indicates a potential influence in the legislative process. Additionally, the lobbying efforts from various groups, including The GEO Group, which has a significant lobbying expenditure of $80,000, could suggest that there are interests at play that may not align with the public's best interest in transit funding. Voters should be aware that while the primary donor industries are not directly related, the lobbying landscape indicates that external pressures could influence the bill's outcomes.
Organizations that lobbied on issues related to this bill's policy area. 2 lobbying client(s) are also sponsor donors.
| Client | Lobbying Firm | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| USIG DIGITAL Also a Donor | SOBBA PUBLIC, LLC | $15,000 |
| USIG DIGITAL Also a Donor | SOBBA PUBLIC, LLC | $15,000 |
| THE GEO GROUP, INC. | CHECKMATE GOVERNMENT RELATIONS | $80,000 |
| COPPER.CO | SOBBA PUBLIC, LLC | $36,000 |
| AMPL-ACTION FUND (FORMERLY ADVOCATES FOR MULTI-USE OF PUBLIC LANDS) | BIGHORN PUBLIC AFFAIRS GROUP | $20,000 |
| CATHOLIC CHARITIES | MASIELLO MARTUCCI HUGHES KULPA | $15,000 |
| PVS CHEMICAL SOLUTIONS | MASIELLO MARTUCCI HUGHES KULPA | $15,000 |
| ERIE COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY | MASIELLO MARTUCCI HUGHES KULPA | $15,000 |
| ARTPARK | MASIELLO MARTUCCI HUGHES KULPA | $10,500 |
| MHG TELCO, LLL | MASIELLO MARTUCCI HUGHES KULPA | $10,500 |
| ROSINA FOODS | MASIELLO MARTUCCI HUGHES KULPA | $9,000 |
| THE SALVATION ARMY | MASIELLO MARTUCCI HUGHES KULPA | $6,000 |
| A.C.E. CONSULTING | A.C.E. CONSULTING DBA A.C.E. CONSTRUCTION CONSULTING | undisclosed |
| A.C.E. CONSULTING | A.C.E. CONSULTING DBA A.C.E. CONSTRUCTION CONSULTING | undisclosed |
| THE GUTHRIE CLINIC | BUCHANAN INGERSOLL & ROONEY PC | undisclosed |
Source: Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) filings, 2026
Top industries funding Salud Carbajal, ranked by total contributions.
Source: OpenSecrets.org (Center for Responsive Politics)
What does H.R. 8785 do?
H.R. 8785 aims to amend existing legislation regarding the distribution of federal funding for public transit. Specifically, it seeks to allocate funds to medium-sized cities that have a high demand for transit services, ensuring that these cities receive appropriate financial support to improve and maintain their transit systems.
Has H.R. 8785 received a floor vote?
No roll-call vote on H.R. 8785 is recorded in our database yet. Its current status is “Introduced”.
Does H.R. 8785 have a conflict of interest?
Our conflict-of-interest analysis rates H.R. 8785 3/10 (low risk), higher than 87% of analyzed bills; the average in Transportation and Public Works is 2.1/10. This score reflects overlap between the sponsor’s campaign funding, lobbying activity, and the industries the bill affects. It is a transparency indicator, not an accusation.
What is the status of H.R. 8785?
H.R. 8785 is currently “Introduced” as of our last update on May 14, 2026.
Who sponsored H.R. 8785?
H.R. 8785 was sponsored by Salud Carbajal (Democrat).
