https://enotrans.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/money-rolls-6-scaled.jpg
1706
2560
Jeff Davis
https://enotrans.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Eno-Logo-2.png
Jeff Davis2026-03-20 12:33:252026-04-24 12:40:42Surface Reauthorization: What Is the “Baseline” Spending Level for a New Bill?Road to Reauthorization
Surface transportation reauthorization sets federal policy and funding for highways, transit, rail, safety, and related programs for the next five years. This page tracks how the legislation is taking shape in Eno Transportation Weekly — bill text, committee action, the Highway Trust Fund, program structure, and the policy questions that will shape the final bill.
Eno’s ongoing coverage of surface transportation reauthorization in the 119th Congress.
Surface transportation reauthorization addresses many things:
- Federal highway program structure, formula apportionments, and funding levels
- Federal transit program structure and funding
- Highway Trust Fund revenues, long-term solvency, bailouts, and the future of Advance Appropriations
- Safety priorities for roads, rail, motor carriers, and AVs
- Freight policy, multimodal programs, rail funding, and discretionary grants
- Permitting, procurement, and project delivery provisions
- Research, technology, and workforce programs
Each of these areas will face new goals, reforms, and tradeoffs in reauthorization and Eno will be helping you follow along.
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee released text of a proposed five-year surface transportation reauthorization bill on May 17, in anticipation of a markup session scheduled for May 21. The bipartisan Graves-Larsen BUILD America 250 bill totals $474 billion. ETW staff have published initial analysis of the bill’s highway title and overall structure, with additional coverage to follow as markup proceeds.
Last updated: 5/19/2026
MAY 19, 2026: RAPID-RESPONSE WEBINAR
In this rapid response webinar for ETW subscribers, Jeff Davis and Rebecca Higgins break down the funding level and bill text and will answer questions from participants.
About ETW
Eno Transportation Weekly is the flagship publication of the Eno Center for Transportation, an independent, nonpartisan think tank. Since 1921, Eno has worked to improve transportation policy through research, analysis, and leadership development. ETW is written by Eno’s policy staff and read by professionals across the transportation field — in Congress, federal and state agencies, industry, academia, and advocacy.
ETW does not represent the views of any party, administration, or stakeholder interest. Its analysis is independent.
Interested in federal budget coverage?
Check our our resource page on all things related to the 2027 budget process.
Eno Transportation Weekly Coverage
Locks indicate subscriber-only content
https://enotrans.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/money-rolls-6-scaled.jpg
1706
2560
Jeff Davis
https://enotrans.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Eno-Logo-2.png
Jeff Davis2026-03-20 12:33:252026-04-24 12:40:42Surface Reauthorization: What Is the “Baseline” Spending Level for a New Bill?
House Energy and Commerce Releases Vehicle Safety Reauthorization Legislation
Where Things Stand
Reauthorization Expected Timeline
May 17, 2026
1Graves and Larsen Release $474 Billion Surface Transportation Bill
May 21, 2026
2Markup Scheduled
September 30, 2026
3Current surface reauthorization set to expire
Follow reauthorization week by week in ETW
Eno Transportation Weekly provides subscribers with in-depth, nonpartisan analysis of federal surface transportation policy. Published every week, read by congressional staff, agency leadership, state DOTs, industry, and the policy community.
