Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
2009 Transportation Bill

Who Still Thinks the Federal Transportation Bill Will Pass On Time?

Rep. Jim Oberstar (D-MN), chairman of the House transportation committee, has vowed not to support any short-term extensions of the federal transportation bill that's poised to expire on September 30. But Oberstar's commitment to getting the dense legislation to the president's desk on time may be tested by leaders of his own party.

Asked this morning about when Oberstar's bill would be considered by the full House, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) said that it's unlikely to come up before the end of July:

[W]e were hopeful that we could do something early June. But the schedule for the next six weeks is so crammed full ... I mean, it is a very, very full and optimistic agenda. I understand that is a heavy load. So I doubt that we will be able to get other major pieces of legislation like the highway trust fund bill in there. But I also believe that they have -- they are continuing to work on it. Mr. Oberstar is working very hard.

Congress historically recesses for the month of August, meaning that Hoyer's timeline likely would push the federal transportation bill to September.

That leaves 30 days to secure approval from the House and Senate, as well as a conference to unite the two chambers' versions of the bill, before a short-term extension of the existing legislation is required. Expecting Congress to move that quickly -- to use Hoyer's term -- would be optimistic indeed.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Thursday’s Headlines Are Charged Up for the Fourth

The Republican megabill is bad for the electric vehicle industry, but it could be worse.

July 3, 2025

Why is the Secretary of Transportation Begging Americans to Take More Road Trips?

Instead of making America easier to see on all modes, the US Department of Transportation is encouraging U.S. residents to just get in their cars and drive.

July 3, 2025

Wednesday’s Headlines Are for the Children

From mothers with babies in strollers to preteens on bikes, much of the U.S. is hostile to families just trying to get around without a car.

July 2, 2025

Ambulance Data Reveals That Boston Drivers Are 4 Times More Likely to Run Over Pedestrians From Black Neighborhoods

"Overall, residents of predominantly Black and Latino neighborhoods are about four times more likely than residents of predominantly white neighborhoods to be struck as a pedestrian."

July 1, 2025
See all posts