U.S. Sen. John Cornyn is moving to name nearly 1,800 miles of U.S. highway after President Donald Trump — a week before early voting begins in his Republican primary runoff, in which Trump has yet to endorse a candidate.
Cornyn introduced Senate Bill 4484 — the I-47 Future Interstate Act — on Monday, May 11, which would designate U.S. Highway 287 as Interstate 47 in honor of Trump.
“Texas is Trump Country, and this bill cements that legacy by designating nearly 1,800 miles of open-road from Texas’ Gulf Coast to the edge of the U.S.-Canadian border as I-47 to forever be remembered as Trump Interstate,” Cornyn said in a statement.
A sign above Central East Freeway in Wichita Falls directs drivers to the correct lane for U.S. Highway 287 on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025.
The highway is the second-longest three-digit highway in the U.S. and serves as a major trucking route. It runs through five states, from Port Arthur, Texas, to Oklahoma, Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana.
According to Cornyn’s office, the “Trump Interstate” or I-47 would advance freight movement, alleviate traffic congestion and increase federal matching for Interstate System projects.
“By upgrading one of our nation’s longest highways to a future interstate, this legislation will increase economic growth and improve safety, all while honoring the most consequential president of our lifetime,” concluded Cornyn’s statement.
Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) as Secretary of State Marco Rubio testifies in front of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations in Washington, D.C., on May 20, 2025.
Sen. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo, is a co-sponsor of this legislation.
The bill was introduced a week before early voting is set to start in Texas for the Republican primary runoff for his race, where he is defending his seat from challenger Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Recent polling shows Paxton leading Cornyn in the runoff — but not by much.
Mateo Rosiles is the Texas Connect reporter for USA TODAY and its regional papers in Texas. Got a news tip for him? Email him: mrosiles@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Cornyn’s bill to rename a highway after Trump before Texas runoff