House Clears Short-Term Funding Patch

What happened: The U.S. House of Representatives Sept. 19 advanced legislation to keep the government funded through Nov. 21, known as a continuing resolution (CR). The bill passed by a vote of 217 to 212.

Earlier this year, both the House and Senate appropriations committees advanced transportation spending bills for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026, but neither passed its chamber.

The patch passed by the House today would maintain funding, including surface transportation programs, at current, FY 2025 levels while a longer-term, bicameral agreement is reached. It now goes over to the Senate for consideration where it will need Democrat support in order to pass.

Why it matters: The ARTBA co-chaired Transportation Construction Coalition Sept. 18 called on Congress to enact a full-year transportation spending bill as soon as possible. The letter explains that long-term funding certainty for transportation programs is critical to the advancement of infrastructure system improvements. This is especially important heading into the final year of the current highway and public transportation authorization law.

What's next: The Senate will try to pass the CR next week, though Democrats are likely to oppose the measure, raising the threat of a government shutdown if an agreement cannot be reached before Oct. 1.