Reauthorization 2026: Building on the IIJA’s Success

As the dust continues to settle from the recent election, focus has quickly turned towards two of the top issues that will be considered by new Administration and Congress over the next two years: the reauthorization of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and the reauthorization of the landmark 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). While much of the oxygen in Washington in 2025 will be consumed by the tax package, United for Infrastructure (UFI) will be laser-focused on making the case for the importance of infrastructure investment and the IIJA’s renewal in 2026.

For far too long, America's infrastructure has been neglected, with insufficient investments leading to crumbling roads, outdated transit systems, and vulnerabilities that hinder our economic growth and quality of life. The passage of the IIJA in 2021 laid the foundation for reversing this trend. Reports such as this one from UFI Steering Committee member, the American Society of Civil Engineers, clearly show the consequential achievements that have been made at the halfway mark of the IIJA, noting that recent investments—including $550 billion in new funding—has helped slow the growth of the infrastructure investment gap. The report also shows a 40% increase in the number of projects identified or underway over the past six months and highlights how infrastructure investments save money for families and businesses, underscoring the urgent need for Congress to act decisively to sustain this progress.

The journey to a successful reauthorization in 2026 begins now, educating new members and leadership of Congress, the Transition Team, and Administration officials, highlighting the impact of IIJA investments on the lives and livelihoods of their constituencies and celebrating the bipartisan nature of infrastructure investment. UFI is working with our Steering Committee, Partnership Network, and the broader stakeholder community to lead the dialogue on infrastructure because continued federal investments, combined with collaboration across all levels of government and the private sector, are vital to transforming our aging infrastructure into a future-ready system. Let’s set the table for the next infrastructure conversation and get to work!

What We’re Reading on the Topic of Reauthorization

• “Bridging the Gap:” ASCE Releases Latest Economic Study Report: Infrastructure investments save money for families and businesses. New research from an ASCE report shows economic benefits from continuing upgrades in systems of transportation, water, and more.
• Reauthorization Key Topic at ITS America Policy Summit: Highlights from the inaugural policy summit held by the Intelligent Transportation Society of America in Washington, D.C., providing a preview of issues facing surface transportation reauthorization efforts.
• Incoming Senate Chairs Expected to Rein in Infrastructure Dollars: Although 19 Senate Republicans voted for it, plans to scale back government spending could mean lower funding levels for the surface transportation reauthorization bill the next time around.
• Next Head of Transportation Could Make a U-Turn: Analysts predict that Transportation Secretary nominee Sean Duffy could scale back EV funding or redirect resources toward alternative fuels like hydrogen or natural gas.?
• What to expect from the next Head of the Department of Transportation? If confirmed, Sean Duffy and the U.S. DOT will manage implementation of funding and key initiatives authorized in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) over its final 20 months.

UFI CALENDAR ROUND UP

UFI’s events calendar is updated monthly with virtual and in-person events that are happening all across the country, spanning various infrastructure sectors. There's something for everyone to explore and benefit from, so check back often!?

Here’s a few highlights of what’s coming up:

APTA Transit Ballot Initiatives Workshop: Cincinnati, OH ?| ?December 9 - 11

2025 Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Seminar: Long Beach, CA ?| ?January 14 - 16

AMWA Water Policy Conference: Washington, DC ?| ?April 7 - 9

Program topics include:?

• Members of Congress leading key committees;
• Administration officials at the EPA and other federal agencies;
• Washington insiders well-versed in the political landscape and
• AMWA staff, who will provide their insights on relevant federal priorities such as emerging contaminants and lead service line replacements.

STAY CONNECTED!

Be an advocate for the value of investments in our nation's infrastructure by amplifying UFI with your network! Follow us on X and Linkedin for infrastructure-related news, updates and information from our esteemed Steering Committee and valued Partnership Network. Do you have a story we should know about? Help us amplify it, by tagging us: @United4infra or #UnitedForInfrastructure.?

It’s hard to believe that we’re less than a month away from the new year, which means we’re gearing up for Infrastructure Week 2025, happening from May 12 - 16! Now is the time to begin planning your events and reaching out to us to let us know about them. We’re always looking for new ideas, and there are already many ways to get involved.?

Let’s get the word out! Has your infrastructure project or initiative been in the news lately? We want to know about it! Reach out to us or DM us on X.

Thank you to our Steering Committee:?

Thank you to our Partnership Network:?

United for Infrastructure is a project of Accelerator for America Action (AFAA), a 501(c)4 non-profit organization that engages in advocacy work to advance local, state, and federal investment in transit and infrastructure.