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As Congress prepared to consider a short-term continuing resolution (CR) to keep the federal government funded beyond September 30, ASA, along with the Construction Transportation Coalition, urged lawmakers to maintain full federal investment in surface transportation programs and avoid disruptions to critical infrastructure projects.

In a letter sent July 21 to House Speaker Johnson (R-LA), House Minority Leader Jeffries (D-NY), House Appropriations Committee Chairman Cole (R-OK), and Ranking Member DeLauro (D-CT), they emphasized that uninterrupted federal transportation funding is essential to maintaining the nation’s infrastructure pipeline and supporting economic growth. The organizations acknowledged the importance of Congress acting quickly to prevent a government shutdown but cautioned against using a continuing resolution to reduce or alter funding for surface transportation programs. They urged lawmakers to preserve the full Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 enacted funding levels, regardless of the original funding source, arguing that maintaining current investment levels would allow transportation projects to continue while Congress completes work on FY 2027 appropriations and a long-term surface transportation authorization bill.

Per the coalition, even temporary changes to transportation funding or policy could create significant uncertainty for state departments of transportation, local governments, and project sponsors that rely on predictable federal funding to plan and execute long-term infrastructure investments. Such uncertainty, the groups warned, could delay safety improvements, disrupt project delivery, increase construction costs, and create broader economic impacts throughout the transportation supply chain.

Beyond preserving current funding, the organizations called on House leadership to bring the bipartisan BUILD America 250 Act to the House floor as soon as possible. They argued that a multi-year surface transportation reauthorization would provide states, contractors, and local communities with the long-term certainty needed to plan, finance, and deliver major infrastructure projects efficiently.

The letter concludes by urging Congress to avoid unnecessary disruptions to ongoing transportation projects while negotiations continue over government funding. If a short-term continuing resolution proves necessary, the organizations said lawmakers should use the additional time to complete work on the BUILD America 250 Act and provide the stable, predictable federal investment that transportation agencies, contractors, workers, and communities depend upon.