Summary
The most recent long-term surface transportation authorizing legislation, the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (P.L. 109-59; SAFETEA-LU), expired September 30, 2009. The absence of a new law has produced a series of short-term program extensions, with the current extension expiring on March 31, 2012.
House and Senate committees have completed two surface transportation reauthorization packages, which differ significantly in policy, funding, and duration. The full House is expected to consider its five-year reauthorization proposal this week, while the Senate has begun debate on a two-year proposal.