Government Reopens, With Transportation Spending Bill on Deck

What happened: The federal government re-opened ending a 43-day shutdown after a bipartisan agreement was reached in the Senate, passed in the House, and signed into law by President Trump Nov. 12. The spending agreement extends current funding for transportation programs through Jan. 30, 2026, via a continuing resolution. ARTBA urged Congress to resolve the shutdown in a Nov. 12 coalition letter.

Why it matters:  Having a temporary funding agreement, along with a commitment to work on legislation for the full fiscal year, provides state departments of transportation with the certainty needed to move forward on planned projects.

What’s next: The fiscal year (FY) 2026 transportation spending measure is part of a package of appropriations bills up for consideration in the Senate when lawmakers return to Washington, D.C., Nov. 17.