APTA, Coalition Partners Urge Congress to Maintain Current Transportation Investment
7/30/2026
With Congress considering both a Continuing Resolution to continue government funding into Fiscal Year 2027 and a Surface Transportation Authorization Extension Act, APTA, together with 85 coalition partners, have sounded the alarm over the possible elimination of “advance appropriations” in any extension of current law. Advance appropriations are a form of guaranteed funding provided under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
In three separate letters, APTA and other coalition members are demanding that Congress continue advance appropriations funding including guaranteed investments in Capital Investment Grants, Buses and Bus Facilities, State of Good Repair, All Stations Accessibly Program, Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities, ferry service programs, and FRA programs. Failure to continue this funding will result in a 20 percent overall cut for federal public transit investment. Passenger rail would be cut 83 percent and lose all guaranteed funding.
Federal funding for U.S. surface transportation programs will expire on September 30 and it is uncertain when a new federal surface transportation authorization law will be approved by Congress.
The coalitions consist of a wide range of industry groups, including APTA. The letters urge Congress to maintain continuity for federal transportation programs and highlight the immense value that the U.S. transportation network provides to the American public.
A key message is that reducing federal transportation program funding as part of a short-term Continuing Resolution or extension will inject uncertainty into state and local investment decisions. Reduced funding could also delay critical infrastructure projects that keep travelers safe, support the U.S. economy, and help create and maintain important jobs.
The coalitions support a full, robust reauthorization of the federal surface transportation programs. As stated in one letter, “When Congress supports federal transportation investment, every community stands to benefit with enhanced mobility, safer commutes, and a strong economy.”