May 2005

Congress Enacts Extension of TEA-21

On Friday May 27, just before the current TEA-21 extension expired, Congress enacted a one-month extension of TEA-21 to continue funding surface transportation programs, including highway safety. The extension provides an additional $2.9 billion in highway obligation authority and $3.8 billion in contract authority for Fiscal Year 2005. With funds made available under prior extensions, a total of nine-twelfths of the FY 2005 appropriated levels has been released. A total of $8.61 billion of the $34.42 billion in obligation authority provided under the FY 2005 appropriations acts remains on the table.

The House passed its $284 billion six-year reauthorization bill on March 11, but the Senate did not complete its $295 billion version until May 17. It soon became obvious that the two chambers would be unable to put together a conference agreement before the May 31 deadline, and another extension would be required.

With this latest extension, TEA-21 reauthorization is now an upprecedented 645 days overdue.

In a May 24 letter to House and Senate leaders, AASHTO (American Association of State and Highway Transportation Officials) Executive Director John Horsley said "the costs associated with the 20-month delay in enacting a multi-year reauthorization bill are continuing to mount. An uncertain funding stream has forced the states to slow down planning and design and to delay construction of critically needed highway and transit projects." Horsley said, "The states cannot afford to lose another construction season. We urge you to enact a simple, month-long extension and appoint conferees prior to the Memorial Day Recess and to complete action on the bill so that further extensions will not be needed."

Read the history of GHSA's position on reauthorization and related issues:

Association Updates Reauthorization Information

Association's Position on Reauthorization

GHSA Testifies at Senate Hearing on Reauthorization. For the news release, click here. The full text of the testimony is also available by clicking here.

State Highway Safety Officials Praise House Reauthorization Bill

State Highway Safety Alliance urges President Bush to Support Senate Funding Level of Reauthorization Bill

State Highway Safety Alliance Urges Conferees to Support State Safety Programs

Association Praises Commerce Committee Bill

State Associations, Transportation and Highway Safety Groups tell Congress: No New Sanctions

State Highway Safety Offices Praise House Action on Transportation Reauthorization

States Say DOT Highway Proposal is Inadequate for their Safety Needs

GHSA Responses to Senate Commerce Committee Questions

Sen. Bond Joins Groups Forming State Highway Safety Alliance

TEA-21 Reauthorization Recommendation Report