Surface Transportation Authorization Legislation: Timelines and Extensions

Surface Transportation Authorization Legislation: Timelines and Extensions

Surface Transportation Authorization Legislation: Timelines and Extensions

September 14, 2026 (IG10101)

Summary

Surface transportation authorization acts are multiyear legislation that authorize spending on federal highway and public transportation programs, surface transportation safety and research, and, since 2015, intercity passenger rail programs.

The most recent authorization from FY2022 through FY2026 was part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA; P.L. 117-58). Congress has extended the IIJA authorizations through December 11, 2026 (P.L. 119-103). Historically, Congress has extended surface transportation authorizations beyond their expiration dates before passing new authorization bills. This infographic compiles timing and voting information on enacted surface transportation authorization legislation as well as related extensions since 1991.

H.R. 3684 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA)2022-2026P.L. 117-58

H.R. 22 Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act P.L 114-94

H.R.4348 Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21) ActP.L. 112–141

H.R. 3 Safe, Accountable, Flexible and Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) P.L. 109-59

H.R. 2400 Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) P.L 105-178

H.R.2950 Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA) P.L. 102-240

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) does not provide information on the ISTEA extension between April 1 and June 9, 1998, when TEA-21 was enacted.

FHWA does not provide information on the SAFETEA-LU extension between May 30 and July 6, 2012, when MAP-21 was enacted.

Source: CRS, using data from Congress.gov and FHWA, "Funding Federal-Aid Highways," January 2017, https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policy/olsp/fundingfederalaid/02.cfm.

Information as of September 14, 2026. Prepared by Lena A. Maman, Senior Research Librarian; Kezee Procita, Section Head, Research and Library Services; and Juan Pablo Madrid, Visual Information Specialist.