Story perspectives

Cornyn-Paxton Runoff Over “Trump Interstate” Bill Forecasts $5.4B Savings

5/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

Senator John Cornyn introduced I-47 Future Interstate Act, naming it the “Trump Interstate.”
Senator Cynthia Lummis co-sponsors the bill renaming U.S. Highway 287 from Port Arthur, Texas, to Choteau, Montana, as Interstate 47.
A July 2025 Texas DOT study projects $5.4 billion travel cost savings by 2050.
Senator John Cornyn faces runoff versus Senator Ken Paxton, with May University of Houston poll showing him at 45 percent to Paxton’s 48 percent and 7 percent undecided before May 26.

History

Historical Context

President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the Federal-Aid Highway Act on June 29 1956, creating a $25 billion, ten-year program that built the nation’s Interstate System. His 1919 Army convoy experience and observations of Germany’s Autobahn shaped the plan. Today Senators John Cornyn and Cynthia Lummis propose the I-47 Future Interstate Act, renaming Highway 287 and promising $5.4 billion in travel savings.

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Story summary

Senator John Cornyn introduced I-47 Future Interstate Act, naming it the “Trump Interstate.”
Senator Cynthia Lummis co-sponsors the bill renaming U.S. Highway 287 from Port Arthur, Texas, to Choteau, Montana, as Interstate 47.
A July 2025 Texas DOT study projects $5.4 billion travel cost savings by 2050.
Senator John Cornyn faces runoff versus Senator Ken Paxton, with May University of Houston poll showing him at 45 percent to Paxton’s 48 percent and 7 percent undecided before May 26.

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