Catalyst Mobility Media Contact: Rachel Huggins, rhuggins@catalystmobility.org

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, a significant reduction in federal transportation and infrastructure investment takes effect, jeopardizing billions of dollars that support highway, transit, and clean transportation projects in communities across the country. While the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2027 (H.R. 6500) extends programs authorized under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), it fails to sustain the historic funding levels that have driven infrastructure modernization, economic growth, and transportation innovation over the past five years. 

Although Congress included infrastructure funding in the continuing resolution signed into law on September 2, 2026, the measure provides only approximately 75 percent of the funding levels authorized under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The resulting $36.8 billion annual reduction represents a significant retreat from the historic federal commitment that has helped rebuild and modernize America’s transportation network over the past five years.  

This funding shortfall threatens to delay critical infrastructure projects, disrupt long-term planning efforts, and weaken investments that support economic growth, improve mobility, strengthen supply chains, and expand access to cleaner transportation options in communities across the country. 

Catalyst Mobility™ CEO Michael Berube said:  

“Allowing $36.8 billion in annual infrastructure investment to disappear is a major step backward at a time when Americans are already struggling with high transportation costs. Cutting investment in the programs that expand transportation options, strengthen local infrastructure, and reduce exposure to volatile fuel prices moves us in the wrong direction.  

“America needs continued investment in transit and paratransit, local infrastructure, and electric vehicle (EV) charging that gives consumers and businesses more choices and helps lower transportation costs. 

“Congress has an opportunity to restore these investments and deliver an infrastructure package that helps lower transportation costs for families across the country.” 

Background 

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, was signed into law on November 15, 2021. The bipartisan law authorized $1.2 trillion for transportation and infrastructure, including approximately $550 billion in new federal investment.  

IIJA provided five years of funding for transportation programs across highways and bridges, public transit, passenger and freight rail, roadway safety, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. IIJA included $36.8 billion in advance appropriations annually that is not currently present in fiscal year 2027 following the recent passage of a new continuing resolution.  

The Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act 2027, signed into law on September 2, 2026, extends federal surface transportation programs through December 11, 2026. The law continues many underlying program authorities and provides short-term funding for certain surface transportation programs, but it does not replace the full level of annual advance appropriations provided through IIJA. This means less funding for bridges, transit modernization and accessibility, road safety, rail, resilience, port infrastructure, and alternative fuel and vehicle charging infrastructure.  

Congress will need to address longer term surface transportation funding as part of the next reauthorization or funding package. Read our blog post for more information on Surface Transportation Reauthorization. 

About Catalyst Mobility 

Catalyst Mobility, formed through the combination of CALSTART and Forth, is a global nonprofit advancing clean, equitable, and affordable transportation for people and goods. We bring together industry, government, and communities to overcome barriers, accelerate innovation, shape policy, and move proven solutions into widespread use — delivering cleaner air, reducing climate pollution, and expanding economic opportunity. Learn more at catalystmobility.org.