With the Sept. 30 expiration of the nation’s surface transportation law fast approaching, infrastructure advocates are ramping up pressure on a gridlocked Congress. For tank truck carriers managing tight margins and time-sensitive supply chains, the stakes are exceptionally high.
Now a majority of American voters are calling for immediate action.
A recent national poll of 10,000 voters from the Associated General Contractors of America and Morning Consult reveals overwhelming, bipartisan support for new investments in highway funding—with 78% of respondents saying they want Congress to advance the legislation before the current law expires.
“Voters across both parties understand the connection between transportation investment, economic growth, and job creation and want Congress to pass a new transportation bill before the deadline,” Jeffrey Shoaf, the association's chief executive officer, said in a news release. “They want safer roads, less congestion, and increased investment in the infrastructure in their communities.”
Despite that broad mandate, the primary vehicle for reauthorization—the BUILD America 250 Act (H.R. 8870)—remains stalled in the U.S. House of Representatives. While the bill proposes $580 billion in surface transportation spending over five years and passed its committee 62-2 in late May, it has yet to see a full House floor vote. With roughly 30 session days left before the deadline and no parallel Senate text released, the risk of temporary extensions or a funding lapse is growing.
Key survey data: Public sentiment vs. carrier reality
The AGC survey highlights a shared frustration between everyday drivers and commercial fleets navigating deteriorating road conditions.
- 78% — Demand Congress pass the new highway and transit bill before the Sept. 30 deadline.
- 80% — Want Congress to match or exceed current funding levels for roads and bridges.
- 68% — Support a federal road fee on electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids.
- 55% — Have personally experienced road, bridge, or traffic problems in the last two months.
- 27% — Report having their vehicle damaged by a pothole during that same timeframe.
Equity in funding
A critical takeaway for bulk logistics operators is the 68% voter support for a federal road fee on electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The Highway Trust Fund relies heavily on diesel and gasoline fuel taxes—a model that places a disproportionate financial burden on commercial truck fleets. As passenger vehicles transition to electric variants without paying fuel taxes, funding streams erode while road wear continues. Broad public backing for an EV road fee provides political cover for lawmakers to implement more equitable user-fee structures.
Operational safety and impact
The data shows that over half of respondents reported immediate road issues, and over a quarter suffered pothole damage. For high-gross-vehicle-weight bulk loads, structural road deficiencies translate directly to accelerated equipment degradation, tire failures, sloshing risks from abrupt maneuvers, and unpredictable transit delays.
Additionally, 75% of voters agree that more must be done to protect highway work zones, backing advanced precautions like structural barriers and speed cameras to protect workers and drivers alike.
Industry mobilization
In response to the legislative slowdown, AGC launched a $2 million nationwide advocacy campaign called America’s Moving Forward. The initiative already generated more than 30,000 constituent letters to members of Congress, targeting key districts to force a floor vote, AGC reported.
“The overwhelming support for a new bill should be seen as a bipartisan call on the House of Representatives to pass Build America 250,” Shoaf concluded. “The House committee took the lead—now the full House needs to act.”
