119-SRES-753 Journalist Public Summary

Public Summary — S. Res. 753 (119th): Zero Roadway Fatalities by 2050

Headline Summary: The Senate puts down a marker to eliminate traffic deaths by 2050 and presses federal agencies to prioritize proven safety steps and better data.

What It Does: This is a simple, nonbinding “sense of the Senate” resolution. It commits the Senate to the goal of zero roadway fatalities by 2050 and urges the U.S. Department of Transportation (and its agencies) to improve crash data collection and tracking, implement proven countermeasures, address safety disparities, adopt a comprehensive “safe system” approach, and use the term “crash” instead of “accident” in federal communications.

• Who’s For It: Sponsored by Sen. Richard Blumenthal, with Sens. Jeff Merkley, Bernie Sanders, Tina Smith, Chris Van Hollen, Ed Markey, and Ben Ray Luján as original cosponsors. Supporters emphasize that deaths and serious injuries are preventable with better road design, vehicle technology, enforcement, and post-crash care.
• Who’s Against It: No named opponents at introduction. Potential criticisms could include skepticism about feasibility, concerns about costs or mandates tied to “Vision Zero”-style policies, or a preference for state and local control over federal guidance.

Why It Matters: Traffic crashes kill tens of thousands of people each year and injure millions. Setting a clear national target and aligning federal efforts around data-driven, system-wide safety strategies could push agencies and states to scale measures that are known to reduce deaths for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists.

What’s Next: Introduced on May 21, 2026, it was read twice and referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. As a simple Senate resolution, it does not go to the House or the President and does not change law; it expresses the chamber’s position and priorities.