Trucking Industry Waits With Congress Stuck in Neutral
Pipeline and Parking Bills Stuck During Government Shutdown
Key Takeaways:
- Consideration of transportation safety bills has stalled in Congress as the House remains in recess during the partial government shutdown that began Oct. 1.
- The delay affects proposals to expand truck parking and strengthen pipeline safety oversight, with $200 million in transportation funding and two major pipeline bills awaiting votes.
- Lawmakers remain divided over budget negotiations and healthcare subsidy terms, leaving the House and Senate without final action on key transportation measures.
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Consideration of transportation safety legislation has slowed on Capitol Hill due partly to the U.S. House’s recess during the partial government shutdown.
Bills meant to expand access to truck parking as well as enhance the safety of the nation’s pipeline system await consideration in the influential transportation policy and funding panels.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) recessed the chamber during a shutdown that began Oct. 1, a move questioned by a few members of his caucus. The speaker has repeatedly blamed Democrats for the partisan impasse that has disrupted Congress’ legislative calendar.
“It is a shame that Democrats need to be publicly prodded by millions of hardworking Americans to just simply do the most basic function of their jobs. A rational person would read the pleas of the federal workers and conclude that it is time to end the charade and turn the lights back on,” Johnson said Oct. 29.
“But the Democrats are not rational right now,” the speaker added. “They’ve deliberately ignored the plight of all these federal workers around the country.”
During a spirited floor speech Oct. 29, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) took aim at Democrats.
“Democrats have spent a month — a month, now — playing with people’s livelihoods because the far-left wing of their party won’t let them accept a clean, nonpartisan [continuing resolution],” he said.
Thune.(Allison Robbert/Bloomberg)
Democrats, led by Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), have called on Republicans and the White House to negotiate terms of healthcare subsidies. Enhancing certain social safety net guarantees has been their central argument. As Schumer recently affirmed, “We are ready to act. We are ready to work with anyone — Republicans or Democrats — who’s willing to stop this cruelty.”
“Republicans control the House, the Senate and the presidency, and from the very beginning of this year, they have adopted a my-way-or-the-highway approach and continue to try and jam their right-wing ideology down the throats of the American people,” Jeffries told CNN Oct. 26.
The Republican-led House has yet to clear for President Donald Trump fiscal 2026 transportation funding legislation that includes $200 million for parking access for commercial drivers.
If enacted, the truck parking funds would be administered by the Department of Transportation’s Nationally Significant Multi-modal Freight and Highway Projects program.
During the bill’s committee consideration in the summer, American Trucking Associations Senior Vice President of Legislative Affairs Henry Hanscom cheered the proposed funding.
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“The substantial investment for expanded parking capacity would help alleviate one of the biggest challenges that truck drivers face and improve the efficiency and safety of our roadways,” Hanscom said. “In addition, language to expand workforce development and preserve national standards for meal and rest breaks will strengthen the overall supply chain.”
During the shutdown, policymakers have advanced pipeline safety measures. In the Senate, the PIPELINE Safety Act was touted by Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) on Oct. 5.
“As the energy capital of the world, millions of jobs in Texas depend on the safe and reliable movement of energy,” Cruz said. “The PIPELINE Safety Act of 2025 ensures oversight of the pipeline system is governed by appropriate, data-driven and cost-effective standards.”
Cruz. (Graeme Sloan/Bloomberg)
In September, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee passed similar legislation: the Promoting Innovation in Pipeline Efficiency and Safety (PIPES) Act.
“The United States is blessed with abundant energy resources, and pipelines remain the safest and most economically efficient means of delivering resources such as oil and natural gas,” said Sam Graves (R-Mo.), transportation committee chairman. “The PIPES Act strikes the right balance between innovation, safety and ensuring our nation remains a global leader in the production and exportation of energy.”
The pipeline safety bills await final floor votes in the House and Senate.
