Senate approves short-term surface transportation extension

The Senate overwhelmingly passed a short-term extension of expiring surface transportation programs as part of a broader government funding package.

The measure, approved on a 90-6 vote on August 8, pushes the deadline for renewing surface transportation programs from September 30 to December 11.

The House passed a different government funding bill before its August recess that did not include a surface transportation extension. It will need to reconcile their differences with the Senate when Congress returns.

NAPA continues to advocate for House passage of the BUILD America 250 Act, a five-year $580 billion bipartisan reauthorization bill, while urging for a robust long-term surface transportation bill in the Senate.

In a statement issued last week, NAPA President & CEO Audrey Copeland highlighted the challenges of short-term extensions while expressing optimism that Congress will pass a long-term reauthorization bill this year.

A short-term extension is not a substitute for the long-term certainty both states and industry require to invest in their communities and our highway system. We remain hopeful that this extra time spurs Congress to enact the BUILD America 250 Act this year.

Audrey Copeland, NAPA President & CEO

NAPA members can take action by following NAPA’s Highway Bill Tracker, reviewing our BUILD America 250 summary, and writing to your representatives using our grassroots letter.

“NAPA and our dedicated members are ready to engage with lawmakers to finish the job and get to work,” Copeland said.