WASHINGTON—Earlier this month, President Trump signed into law the Transportation Appropriations bill that will fully fund core highway and public transportation programs through Sept. 30, 2026. The action will allow states to continue committing federal dollars to projects during the last year of the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that was championed and passed by former President Joe Biden.

The American Road & Transportation Builders Association reported that with funding certainty through Sept. 30, attention can now turn to securing on-time renewal of a robust, long-term surface transportation reauthorization.

The approved appropriations bill calls for highway programs to receive $74.5 billion (a $2.4 billion increase from FY 2025), airports would receive $9.6 billion (a $520 million increase from FY 2025), and transit programs would receive $20.8 billion. 

ARTBA led a group letter of nearly 50 national organizations, encouraging Congress to pass the legislation prior to the Jan. 30 deadline, in order to avoid another short-term extension. The House of Representatives passed the bill by a 217 to 214 margin on Jan. 22 and the Senate approved the bill with a 71 to 29 vote on Jan. 30.  President Trump signed the measure into law on Feb. 3.

“It is critical that we make significant investments to modernize our air traffic control systems and improve our airports, roads, railways, bridges and ports. We must also ensure that a greater supply of safe, affordable housing is available to communities throughout the country,” said U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, chair of the Appropriations Committee. “This legislation directly addresses those needs by maintaining existing rental assistance for more than 4.6 million households and supporting programs aimed at tackling homelessness, especially for our nation’s youth.”

“With the Senate passage of this bill, we are ensuring funds will be provided for our nation’s important needs instead of relying on another continuing resolution that would lock in funding levels and policies from the previous administration. Within our budget allocation, this Transportation, HUD Appropriations bill adjusts resources to meet the challenges we face today to ensure better air traffic safety, improve transportation infrastructure, build up our communities, and care for those most in need,” said U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, chair of the Transportation, Housing & Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee.