Congress Returns to Packed Agenda as Highway Funding Deadline Nears
Following Democrats’ sweeping midterm election victories to claim control of the House and Senate, Congress returns to Washington this week with a packed agenda—just one month before surface transportation authorization expires.
With only weeks of scheduled session remaining, lawmakers face pressure to complete several major priorities before the end of the 119th Congress. Topping the list are funding the government beyond Dec. 11 and passing the annual defense authorization bill, two measures routinely addressed during lame-duck sessions.
Highway Bill and Permitting Reform Compete for Time on Packed Agenda
The current highway bill extension also expires Dec. 11, leaving lawmakers little time to pass a long-term reauthorization or enact another extension. NAPA continues urging Congress to advance the bipartisan, $580 billion BUILD America 250 Act, which awaits House Ways and Means Committee approval before a full House vote. The Senate has yet to unveil its own highway bill.
Senate leaders are also seeking to advance the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act (BAAJA), a comprehensive permitting reform package that would streamline project approvals, reduce delays, and provide greater certainty for infrastructure investments. NAPA has endorsed the legislation and continues emphasizing that permitting reform and long-term highway funding must go hand in hand to deliver infrastructure improvements more efficiently.
Congress faces several other year-end priorities, including water resources legislation, known as WRDA; a college sports overhaul; and the Farm Bill. Competition for limited floor time will make sustained advocacy for the asphalt pavement industry’s priorities especially important.
Election Results Shape Year-End Dynamics
The coming shift in control adds another layer of uncertainty. Republicans have an incentive to advance legislation on their terms before losing their majorities, while Democrats may prefer to defer some decisions until they control both chambers in January. Republicans could also seek to advance certain budget-related priorities without Democratic support through the reconciliation process.
As lawmakers work to finish the current Congress’ business, preparations for the 120th Congress are already underway. House Republicans are set to choose between Reps. Jim Jordan (OH-4) and Steve Scalise (LA-1) to succeed Rep. Mike Johnson (LA-4) as Republican leader. Democrats will also hold leadership elections, with Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (NY-8) poised to remain their leader.
The 120th Congress is scheduled to convene January 3. In the meantime, NAPA will continue pressing lawmakers to use the remaining weeks to advance long-term highway funding and permitting reforms that support the asphalt pavement industry and the communities it serves.
