Senators Prepare Temporary Transportation Measures

What happened: The Senate is preparing to advance both a temporary spending bill, known as continuing resolution (CR), and an extension of the 2021 infrastructure law prior to adjourning for the August recess next week. The terms of these measures are under development.

ARTBA organized stakeholder meetings with key Senate offices this week, emphasizing how specific cuts would impact each state. The association also led a group letter to congressional leaders on behalf of more than 60 national organizations, calling on them to continue supporting all surface transportation programs in any CR or extension, regardless of funding source. The letter was picked up by the D.C. media, Punchbowl News, raising the profile of the issue in Washington.

The House passed a continuing resolution that would cut transportation spending levels through Dec. 4, but it has not considered an extension of surface transportation programs.

Why it matters: Consistency in funding and policy is critical to maintain projects while Congress continues work on a long-term reauthorization of federal highway and transit programs.

What’s next: Bipartisan leaders in the Senate are finalizing details of these temporary measures, likely to extend spending and programs through Dec. 11. The Senate is expected to consider this measure the week of Aug. 3, and would need both Republicans and Democrats to secure the 60 votes required for passage.