The House of Representatives passed a two month extension of the highway funding authorization earlier this week. The measure simply extends the current authority, which expires on May 31, through the end of July when the existing funding is also expected to run out.

The American Soybean Association (ASA) supports enactment of a long-term highway reauthorization bill that provides sufficient funding to meet construction and maintenance needs for roads and bridges, increases truck weight limits on federal interstates and continues the hours of service exemption for agriculture.

Upgrades to roads and bridges not only allow soy growers to more efficiently transport their products via the highway—but also take some strain off of other means of transportation like railways.

This two month extension is expected to be passed by the Senate before they adjourn for the Memorial Day recess.  Since there is sufficient funding in the Highway Trust Fund to carry through the end of July, Congress only had to provide an extension of the authority to keep highway maintenance and construction flowing.  Before this extension expires at the end of July, Congress will need to come up with additional funding to ensure that the highway programs continue without interruption.

ASA Washington staff continues to communicate ASA’s transportation and infrastructure priorities with House and Senate members on the relevant committees.