Updated

June 02, 2026

Published

April 03, 2026

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America’s economic strength depends on its ability to build — and build on time.

From highways and bridges to freight corridors and ports, surface transportation infrastructure powers local economies, supports millions of jobs, and keeps supply chains moving. But the current authorization for federal surface transportation programs expires on September 30, 2026. If Congress fails to act, uncertainty will ripple through communities, stall long-planned projects, and drive up costs for businesses and families alike.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce launched Keep America Moving to build momentum for a robust surface transportation reauthorization that delivers long-term funding certainty and modernizes a permitting system that is too slow, too unpredictable, and too costly.

America cannot afford delays. We cannot afford half-measures. And we cannot afford to fall behind.

Main Street Infrastructure Tour

Through targeted roundtables and site visits in congressional districts nationwide, Keep America Moving elevates the voices of employers, workers, and community leaders who rely on modern, reliable infrastructure every day.

By convening lawmakers alongside local businesses and stakeholders, the initiative highlights what is at stake: economic growth, supply chain resilience, job creation, and America’s long-term competitiveness.

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Roundtable: Utah's FrontRunner Commuter Rail

In Utah, the Chamber hosted an event with Federal Transit Administration Administrator Marcus Molinaro, Representative Burgess Owens​ (UT-04), state transportation officials, and local business leaders to discuss the importance of a strong, reliable transportation network for economic growth helped build momentum for federal surface transportation funding, which expires later this year. The group held a press conference at the South Jordan FrontRunner station, giving Utah leaders an opportunity to highlight the significant impact of the commuter train in the region and the need for continued investment to expand its capacity.

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U.S. Chamber Vice President John Drake joined Federal Transit Administration Administrator Marc Molinaro (center) and Congressman Burgess Owens (right) at the FrontRunner commuter rail station in South Jordan, Utah.

Participants emphasized that long-term funding certainty is essential for states and localities to plan responsibly and for businesses to invest in the future. The message was clear: predictable infrastructure investment strengthens local economies and keeps communities competitive.

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<p>U.S. Chamber Vice President John Drake (left) joined Federal Transit Administration Administrator Marc Molinaro (center) and Congressman Burgess Owens (right) on the FrontRunner commuter rail in Utah.</p>

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<p>In South Jordan, Utah, U.S. Chamber Vice President John Drake (left) joined Federal Transit Administration Administrator Marc Molinaro (center) and Congressman Burgess Owens (right) at a FrontRunner commuter rail station. </p>

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<p>Congressman Burgess Owens discusses how reliable transportation infrastructure is critical to economic growth, public safety, and opportunity in Utah and across the country.</p>

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<p>The U.S. Chamber hosted an event with Federal Transit Administrator Marcus Molinaro, Representative Burgess Owens, state transportation officials, and local business leaders to discuss the importance of a strong, reliable transportation network for economic growth.</p>

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Roundtable: California's Port of Stockton

At the Port of Stockton, the U.S. Chamber convened Representative Josh Harder​ (CA-09), local employers, and community stakeholders to highlight Central Valley transportation priorities and the urgent need for permitting reform.

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The Port of Stockton, California.

Business leaders underscored how permitting delays increase costs, inject uncertainty, and slow delivery of critical projects. As Congress prepares to take up the next surface transportation bill, long-term funding certainty must be paired with a modern, predictable permitting process to ensure projects are delivered efficiently and effectively.

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Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09) (center right) is joined by Christopher Guith, Senior Vice President of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Global Energy Institute (center left), Tim Quinn, CEO of the Stockton Chamber of Commerce (fifth from the right), and local business leaders for a roundtable discussion at the Port of Stockton.

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Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09) delivers remarks at the U.S. Chamber's Port of Stockton roundtable.

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Christopher Guith, Senior Vice President of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Global Energy Institute, talks with the local business leaders in Stockton, CA about the importance of permitting reform and federal infrastructure investment

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Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09) and Christopher Guith, Senior Vice President of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Global Energy Institute (second from right) engage with local business leaders at the roundtable.

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Roundtable: Wilmington, NC

The U.S. Chamber, in partnership with the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce and the North Carolina Chamber of Commerce, hosted Rep. David Rouzer (NC-07) alongside top leaders from the U.S. Department of Transportation and the North Carolina Department of Transportation, to discuss the critical need for sustained infrastructure investment.

Wilmington provided a strategic backdrop for the discussion. As a coastal hub anchored by the Port of Wilmington, the region plays a vital role in moving goods across the Southeast and beyond while supporting a rapidly growing local economy. It also faces firsthand challenges—from freight bottlenecks to coastal resilience—that underscore the urgency of federal action, grounding national priorities in real-world needs.

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The U.S. Chamber led a transportation roundtable in Wilmington, North Carolina with Rep. David Rouzer (R-NC) (second from right) and U.S. Department of Transportation and North Carolina Department of Transportation leaders.

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Roundtable: Mobile, AL

The U.S. Chamber and Mobile Chamber convened Rep. Shomari Figures (AL-02) and local businesses for a roundtable discussion on upgrading Alabama’s surface infrastructure.

"The surface transportation reauthorization bill before Congress isn't just a policy matter in Washington; it's a lifeline for businesses here in Mobile that are trying to plan, invest and grow,” said Mobile Chamber President and CEO Bradley Byrne. “When federal and local partners work together, as we're doing with the U.S. Chamber and Congressman Figures, we get results."

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Rep. Shomari Figures (center) joined the Mobile Chamber and U.S. Chamber for a conversation on Alabama's surface transportation infrastructure.

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Local business leaders participated in the conversation on upgrading Alabama's surface transportation infrastructure.

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Rep. Figures takes questions during a roundtable in Mobile, AL with the Mobile Chamber and U.S. Chamber.

Roundtable: Fairbanks, AK

In partnership with the Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce, the U.S. Chamber hosted Rep. Nick Begich (AK-AL) and local business leaders to discuss the importance of Congress’ upcoming consideration of a new federal surface transportation bill to support Alaska’s economy and communities.

“Alaska’s communities depend on reliable transportation and essential care infrastructure, and it’s the folks in those communities who are best positioned to identify which priorities are most impactful for them,” said Rep. Begich. “That is why it is so important to hear directly from local groups like the Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce, which represents the voices of those most impacted by federal investments made in Washington, D.C. I appreciate every opportunity to hear from Alaskans on transportation and infrastructure issues, and I thank the Chamber’s membership for their thoughtful input on important legislation pending in the U.S. House.”

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Local businesses joined the U.S. Chamber, Greater Fairbanks Chamber, and Rep. Nick Begich for a conversation on the importance of a new federal surface transportation bill.

Roundtable: Lakeland, WA

In Washington state, Rep. Marilyn Strickland (WA-10)​ joined the U.S. Chamber, Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber, and Puyallup-Sumner Chamber to hear from local businesses on why passing a new surface infrastructure bill is vital to Evergreen State businesses.

Representatives from the local business community and several Pierce County municipalities emphasized a variety of infrastructure priorities in the South Sound region. Specific projects discussed included the Fishing Wars Bridge, ongoing work to complete SR-167, and the need to extend light rail from Seattle to the Tacoma Dome. Additionally, several participants stressed the importance of providing more training for the workers needed to build these projects.

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Rep. Marilyn Strickland answers questions on surface transportation infrastructure during a roundtable in Lakeland, WA.

Roundtable: Chandler, AZ

In Arizona, Rep. Greg Stanton (AZ-04) joined the U.S. Chamber and the Chandler Chamber of Commerce for a conversation with local business and community leaders on the importance of new federal surface transportation funding.

Chandler, a major hub for the semiconductor and technology industry, serves as a key transportation corridor for Arizona and the American Southwest. Modern, safe, and reliable transit infrastructure is essential to the region’s economic success and to the millions of families, businesses, and workers who rely on safe roads, bridges, and rail systems to thrive.

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Rep. Greg Stanton (right) at the U.S. Chamber's surface transportation roundtable in Chandler, AZ.

Roundtable: Port of Beaumont

Rep. Brian Babin (TX-36) and local business leaders recently joined the Chamber and Greater Beaumont Chamber for a roundtable at the Port of Beaumont where conversations focused on a variety of infrastructure priorities including upgrading intersections, truck routes, and traffic controls and drainage and utility improvements that support public safety, commerce, and commuter safety.

"Southeast Texas helps power the American economy. From the Port of Beaumont to our small businesses, manufacturers, energy producers, and job creators, our region plays a critical role in keeping our nation competitive. I appreciated the opportunity to hear directly from local business leaders about the challenges and opportunities they face,” said Congressman Babin. “Congress must continue advancing policies that keep taxes low, streamline burdensome regulations, improve infrastructure, strengthen our supply chains, and ensure American businesses can compete and win. I will continue fighting for pro-growth solutions that create jobs, support our workforce, and keep our region thriving."

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Rep. Brian Babin joins local businesses at the Port of Beaumont for a conversation on surface transportation infrastructure.

Roundtable: Las Vegas, NV

In Nevada, the Chamber and Vegas Chamber, along with local businesses, hosted​ Rep. Dina Titus (NV-01), Ranking Member of the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee's Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials, for a conversation on a variety of infrastructure priorities, including the Maryland Parkway Bus Rapid Transit Project, which will provide local residents and students with a safe and reliable transit option that connects downtown, the UNLV campus, and Harry Reid International Airport.

“I am proud to join the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Vegas Chamber to celebrate the House passage of the bipartisan BUILD America 250 Act which will support our travel and tourism economy, make our roadways safer, and strengthen our infrastructure and supply chains," said Congresswoman Titus. "I authored several provisions in the package to help our first responders prepare for thermal runaway accidents, ensure that our transit systems can run on time during the summer heat and during live events, make safety improvements in our school zones, help families make more informed decisions about e-bikes and e-scooters, and make critical upgrades to our airport infrastructure."

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Rep. Dina Titus (second from left) joins representatives from the Vegas Chamber and U.S. Chamber's regional team at a transportation roundtable in Las Vegas.

The Bottom Line

America cannot afford to fall behind.

Surface transportation reauthorization is about more than funding levels — it is about economic leadership. Long-term certainty, sustained infrastructure investment, and a modernized permitting process will accelerate project delivery, unlock private investment, strengthen supply chains, and support workers nationwide.

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