Move America Coalition Launches to Champion Surface Transportation Reauthorization

With the clock ticking toward the Sept. 2026 expiration of the bipartisan surface transportation law, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and more than 20 national organizations—including APTA—have joined forces to form the Move America Coalition, a broad advocacy alliance focused on securing timely reauthorization and advancing long-term, sustainable investment in America’s transportation infrastructure.

The coalition brings together a wide cross-section of the transportation ecosystem: public transit agencies, engineering and construction firms, equipment manufacturers, state and local governments, freight and logistics interests, and labor partners. Together, they represent the workforce and industries that rely on a safe, modern, and predictable federal program to keep people and goods moving.

Without congressional action, states and localities could face a funding and planning cliff that would disrupt project development, delay essential improvements, and weaken the supply chains and job markets that depend on reliable transportation infrastructure.

“America’s economy depends on moving people and goods safely and efficiently,” said Neil Bradley, executive vice president and chief policy officer at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “When our transportation systems work, people can get to work, goods reach the shelves, and communities thrive. But without congressional action this coming year, stalled projects, higher costs, and strained supply chains will create widespread uncertainty. That’s why the Move America Coalition is bringing together the designers, builders, and users of our transportation network to urge the decisive action needed to keep America moving.”

The coalition is united around four core priorities for reauthorization:

• Protect and grow highway and transit funding at or above current Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) levels
• Stabilize the Highway Trust Fund with predictable, user-based revenue solutions
• Modernize project delivery, including meaningful permitting and process improvements
• Enhance national safety, efficiency, and reliability across all modes

For APTA, participation in the coalition underscores public transportation’s central role in the national economy and daily life.

“APTA is proud to do our part in establishing the Move America Coalition, and we join our coalition partners in urging Congress to prioritize robust, long-term surface transportation funding,” said APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas. “This diverse coalition speaks with one unified voice: America’s economic competitiveness depends on reliable investment in our transportation networks. Public transportation is essential to connecting communities, supporting economic development, sustaining American manufacturing jobs, and ensuring mobility for all.”

Coalition leaders emphasize that reaching consensus on a major surface transportation bill requires shared commitment and a broad base of support—a need the Move America Coalition intends to meet.

“Federal surface transportation reauthorization requires a big lift and a big tent,” said David Bauer, president and CEO of the American Road & Transportation Builders Association. “The Move America Coalition will bring the general business community to this important debate, strengthening our efforts to deliver a robust bill on time.”

As Congress prepares for reauthorization, the Move America Coalition is positioning itself as a unified, proactive voice calling for the sustained federal leadership needed to protect and strengthen the nation’s transportation future.

Learn more about the additional organizations participating in the coalition.