Hardwood Floors June/July 2025

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

TRANSPORTATION REAUTHORIZATION 2026 ALREADY IN MOTION

The trend in Washington during the last several Congresses has been that meaningful legislation rarely passes on its own. Of course, a resolution naming a Post Office or a bill addressing a local, non-controversial issue will win approval on its own. But more substantive, national policy issues tend to move and become law as part of comprehensive legislation. Tax is a good example. Hundreds of tax bills are introduced each Congress, but they typically are stuck in neutral unless there is a broader legislative vehicle that emerges, which includes a tax title. The same is true for energy policy and a host of other issues including transportation. Next year, the current highway bill is up for reauthorization. This is the underlying statute that funds and authorizes our country’s surface transportation programs. This must-pass legislative vehicle presents an opportunity to finally make some progress on issues of importance to the hardwood industry, including truck weight reform.

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