As many of you are aware, NIADA is advocating for a federal right to repair framework for the automotive industry to be included in the BUILD America 250 Act. However, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson announced that House lawmakers will leave Washington on September 17 and will not return for legislative business until after the November elections. With only a few legislative days remaining before the election, the shortened schedule makes it increasingly likely that consideration of major unfinished legislation will be deferred until the post-election “lame duck” session.
On September 1, the House passed a Continuing Resolution previously approved by the Senate that extends federal government funding through December 11, avoiding a government shutdown when the fiscal year ends September 30. The legislation also includes a short-term extension of federal surface transportation programs, extending the current authorization from September 30 through December 11. The President signed the measure into law the following day.
The Surface Transportation Reauthorization is a five-year measure that establishes federal policy and authorizes funding for the nation’s roads, bridges, transit, rail and highway safety programs. The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s five-year reauthorization proposal, the aforementioned BUILD America 250 Act, includes provisions addressing transportation infrastructure and highway and motor carrier safety. With the House scheduled to leave Washington on September 17, NIADA will continue pressing lawmakers and congressional staff over the coming weeks to advance this priority and seek consideration when Congress returns after the elections.
