Capitol Corner: Surface Transportation Reauthorization: A New Chapter Post-IIJA

Every five to six years, Congress passes a bill that authorizes federal surface transportation programs and sets national priorities for highways, transit, rail, bike and pedestrian infrastructure. Surface transportation reauthorization will provide funding and direction for federal transportation programs and set guidelines for how states and local governments receive and use transportation funds.

The current authorization was included in the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which provided historic funding levels to stimulate the post-pandemic economy. The next authorization is not expected to maintain those funding levels or to include programs supporting water and energy projects that are beyond the scope of typical transportation and transit infrastructure. With the IIJA set to expire at the end of September 2026, and with the upcoming November 2026 mid-term elections, the Trump Administration and Congress have already begun work on the next authorization bill.

U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Secretary Sean Duffy met with members of Congress and other stakeholders in July to discuss priorities for reauthorization including safety, project efficiency and the role of states. Additionally, the USDOT is seeking input from stakeholders across the country as it develops priorities for the surface transportation reauthorization. Public comments for the USDOT’s Request for Information are due by August 20, 2025.

In the U.S. Senate, there are four committees with partial jurisdiction over surface transportation reauthorization. The Environment and Public Works Committee traditionally kicks off the Senate reauthorization process and oversees highway and highway planning programs. The Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee is responsible for transit and transit planning programs; the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee handles safety, trucking, pipeline and rail programs and the Finance Committee has jurisdiction over transportation funding issues.

Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chair Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) emphasized in her opening remarks in a July 2025 hearing that the next reauthorization should prioritize improving the safety and reliability of transportation systems, streamlining federal processes to reduce project delays and providing states with greater flexibility to address local needs.

The U.S. House of Representatives has three committees with jurisdiction over surface transportation reauthorization. The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has jurisdiction over most provisions in the legislation, while the Science, Space, and Technology Committee is responsible for overseeing research programs, while the Ways and Means Committee handles funding issues.

House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO) signaled a “back to basics” approach in his recent op-ed on his priorities for the surface transportation reauthorization, which include emphasizing rebuilding core infrastructure while reducing spending and eliminating unnecessary mandates. Chairman Graves is also pushing for greater flexibility and decision-making authority for states to better prioritize local needs.

Centralina’s congressional delegation plays an important role in the surface transportation reauthorization process, with key memberships on several committees. Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) is a member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, while Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) serves on the Banking and Finance Committees. In the House, Representative Addison McDowell (NC-06) is a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

About the author: Kai Macauley is the legislative intern for Strategics Consulting, Centralina’s federal government relations consulting firm.