Senate Prepares Bipartisan Funding Patch as House Passes Mostly Partisan Measure

What happened: The House advanced a continuing resolution to extend Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 funding for federal programs from Sept. 30 to Dec. 4. However, the bill would not fund all surface transportation programs at FY 2026 levels.

ARTBA led a letter, signed by more than 40 national organizations, urging the House to restore funding for all surface transportation programs, while work on a long-term reauthorization bill advances through Congress. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) announced the chamber is taking a bipartisan approach to its temporary spending measure and is planning to consider their version in the next two weeks.

With the Sept. 30 expiration of the 2021 infrastructure law looming, the Senate may also try to advance an extension of the current surface transportation law before it’s scheduled month-long recess begins Aug. 7.

Why it matters: Early congressional action helps avoid a potential government shutdown and provides time for ARTBA and its members to advocate for maintaining current funding for all transportation programs. The cuts advanced in the House could result in disruption to ongoing projects, if the House bill were enacted.

What’s next: ARTBA will engage the Senate to ensure any spending measure and surface law extension extend all existing highway and transit programs. The association will also continue to push for action on a long-term, surface transportation bill this year.