Surface Transportation Reauthorization:
BUILD America 250 Act

With the current Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) set to expire on September 30, 2026.   Reauthorization activity continues to accelerate as committees refine draft language that shapes the next surface transportation bill.

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On May 22, 2026, the Committee marked up and approved the BUILD America 250 Act – Building Unrivaled Infrastructure and Long-term Development for America’s 250th Act by a vote of 62 to 2.

The BUILD America 250 Act is the Committee's bipartisan, five-year surface transportation reauthorization bill that invests in America’s roads, bridges, transit, rail transportation, and highway and motor carrier safety programs. Fundamentally, the bill emphasizes moving people, goods, and freight safely and efficiently across the country.

 

• The bill authorizes approximately $580 billion, with 90% available through formula funding, a significant shift from IIJA’s heavier reliance on competitive grants. 

 

• Given the remaining FY 2026 work, midterm elections on the horizon, and the long history of surface transportation bills missing deadlines, an extension appears to be likely.  Even so, MPOs should operate under the assumption that reauthorization could move on time. This engagement window will not open twice, and once base text is released, shaping the bill is significantly harder via amendment.

 

The text of the BUILD America 250 Act is available here
A section by section summary of the BUILD America 250 Act is available here