The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure has announced hearings for the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization, with a particular focus on affordability and lawsuit reform.
The surface transportation reauthorization is a significant legislative process that determines federal funding for highways, transit, and rail. It is typically renewed every five years. The most recent reauthorization was part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and is set to expire on September 30, 2026. This long-term funding is essential for states to plan and execute major infrastructure projects, providing stability and predictability in economic and transportation planning.
According to the Committee, an intensive hearing schedule was launched in January 2025 under the banner "America Builds." These hearings are examining highways, freight and passenger rail, transit policies, and the solvency of the Highway Trust Fund. Committee Chair Rep. Sam Graves said that it will be a collaborative process, seeking input from both members of Congress and external stakeholders to shape the forthcoming legislation. A bipartisan tone was further reinforced by Rep. David Rouzer and Ranking Member Rick Larsen, who emphasized preserving IIJA investments while modernizing the bill.
The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure is a standing committee of the U.S. House of Representatives with jurisdiction over all transport-related sectors, including aviation, highways, mass transit, railroads, pipelines, and water resources.
