Congress Faces Jan. 30 Deadline on Transportation Funding
Another Federal Shutdown Looms for Lawmakers
Key Takeaways:
- Absent enactment of a DOT funding bill by Jan. 30, certain transportation agencies would shut down or operate at minimum staffing levels.
- Congress’ fiscal 2026 transportation appropriations bills would each fund nearly $1 billion for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
- The House bill would provide $200 million specifically for expanding truck parking operations.
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It’s a new year but a familiar story for this Republican-led Congress.
Just days into 2026, lawmakers already are staring at an end-of-the-month deadline to fund most of the federal government.
Despite the adoption as well as significant progress on a series of fiscal 2026 funding measures, legislation specific to the awaits consideration on Capitol Hill.
Absent enactment of a DOT funding bill by Jan. 30, certain transportation agencies would shut down or operate at minimum staffing levels.
House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-Okla.) recently offered reassurances about the new year’s funding process. Speaking at a Committee on Rules hearing Jan. 6, the chairman addressed the fast-approaching shutdown timeline: “In the coming weeks, I look forward to appearing before you again on additional packages, with the goal of completing all fiscal-year 2026 funding by the Jan. 30 deadline.”
"Walking away from the process is not putting up a fight, it is admitting surrender,” says Rep. Rosa DeLauro, a Connecticut Democrat. (Michael Lee/Bloomberg News)
House Appropriations Committee ranking member Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) emphasized the significance of ensuring federal agencies are backed by congressional funding mandates.
Speaking at the same Committee on Rules hearing, she explained, “When we pass full-year spending bills through regular order we prescribe legally binding funding levels for specific programs with far more precision than under a continuing resolution. This diminishes the White House’s discretion over spending, and restricts their ability to deploy the federal budget as a partisan weapon.
“I am under no illusions about this administration. I see what you see, and I hear what you hear. But walking away from the process is not putting up a fight, it is admitting surrender.”
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This month, Senate Appropriations Committee ranking member Patty Murray (D-Wash.) also called for bipartisanship.
“It is so important we pass full-year funding bills again and refuse to cede power to this administration,” she said, “and I hope that Republicans will work with us to do that as we pass the remainder of our funding bills.”
Last month, Congress passed three fiscal 2026 bills in an effort to avert a shutdown. Nine funding measures, such as the DOT bill, await approval.
Most of the federal government is operating under temporary funding expiring Jan. 30. Congress and the White House acknowledged they plan to prevent a repeat of last fall’s record-breaking government shutdown. The House recessed during last year’s shutdown.
Congress’ fiscal 2026 transportation appropriations bills would each fund nearly $1 billion for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The bills also would allocate similar funds for the transportation agencies. The House bill, meanwhile, would provide $200 million specifically for expanding truck parking operations. Inadequate access to parking has been atop the trucking industry’s concerns.
ATA in Congress: Cargo Theft & CORCA Explained
This holiday season, organized crime rings are targeting the supply chains that deliver our gifts and groceries. At a Subcommittee hearing, ATA President & CEO Chris Spear called on Congress to… — American Trucking (@TRUCKINGdotORG)
American Trucking Associations has pointed to the DOT funding legislation as an ideal vehicle for advancing provisions associated with enforcement of English language-proficiency requirements, further reviewing concerns about predatory towing as well as enhancing resources designed to combat cargo theft.
During a House Judiciary subcommittee hearing in December, ATA President Chris Spear told lawmakers about the importance of adopting cargo theft protections.
“Trucking is the lifeblood of our economy, but prolific incidents of cargo theft are undermining our essential role. Brazen thieves acting with de facto impunity are robbing our industry to the tune of $18 million per day,” Spear said. “The increased costs — from replacing stolen products to shouldering higher insurance premiums to investing in stronger security measures — are mounting. These added expenses put tremendous pressure on motor carriers, putting jobs and small businesses at risk.”
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