America’s transportation system is the backbone of our economy, and the decisions Congress makes in the coming months will determine whether goods and services can continue to move on time, safely, and efficiently. Critical infrastructure funding is set to expire in September, and while House and Senate committees are moving toward early action, history tells us that delays are likely.
In 2021, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provided a once-in-a-generation investment in the nation’s infrastructure. Equipment manufacturers across the country applauded the passage of this monumental legislation, and we continue to see the great results it has brought our industry. Its scope and funding levels were unprecedented, and its impact is still being felt across the country as long-overdue projects move from planning to pavement.
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But as lawmakers begin shaping the next surface transportation bill, there are clear signals that the debate will look different this time. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO) has signaled a return to a more traditional framework, albeit with robust funding. At the same time, there are indications that President Donald Trump may push for continued strong investment. Reconciling these approaches in a narrowly divided House — particularly as lawmakers assess how IIJA dollars are being deployed — will not be easy.
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But difficulty cannot become an excuse for delay. America’s transportation system does not operate on congressional calendars. States, contractors, and equipment manufacturers need certainty to plan, invest, and deliver. Every month of uncertainty risks slowing projects, increasing costs, and undermining the return on historic federal investments already underway.
One of the most urgent challenges Congress must confront is the long-term solvency of the Highway Trust Fund. The federal gas tax is no longer keeping pace with infrastructure needs, and its effectiveness continues to erode as vehicles become more fuel-efficient. Momentum is building around alternative funding mechanisms, such as a vehicle registration fee, but designing and implementing a sustainable, bipartisan solution will take time.
Funding levels alone, however, are not the only issue at stake. Policymakers will also grapple with Buy America provisions that shape procurement practices and project delivery timelines. Equally important is continued federal support for digital construction technology, which helps improve safety outcomes, prevent costly project errors, and cut overall construction costs. From embedded sensors to 3D modeling, these tools are fundamentally changing how infrastructure is built, and Congress should build on the $100 million investment made in the IIJA.
Ultimately, in the next surface transportation bill, Congress should focus on maximizing the impact of federal investments to ensure dollars flow efficiently to projects that fix and build more roads, bridges, and other critical assets. While it may be tempting to fund projects that are only tangentially related to infrastructure development, this year’s bill should focus on creating jobs, making America’s infrastructure safer, and connecting more communities.
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This bill is a rare opportunity to achieve bipartisan consensus on an issue that affects every American, whether they live in a rural town, a suburb, or a city. In every state and every congressional district, Americans rely on Congress to leverage taxpayer funds for essential public goods.
The question is not whether Congress can act — it is whether it will. It is time to finish the job, build on what works, and keep America moving.
Kip Eideberg is senior vice president of Government & Industry Relations at the Association of Equipment Manufacturers.
