May 18 — As the 119th Congress moves through the second half of 2026, federal lawmakers face a lengthy legislative to-do list and a narrowing window before the November midterm elections. Several major federal programs are due for reauthorization or extension, while annual appropriations, election-year politics, and competing policy priorities will shape what Congress is able to complete.
Key deadlines include the July 24 expiration of certain Farm Bill programs, the September 30 expiration of both the federal surface transportation authorization and fiscal year 2026 appropriations, the December 31 lapse of the Export-Import Bank’s authority, and the expected biennial reauthorization of the Water Resources Development Act.
For municipalities, counties and regional partners, these debates could affect transportation funding, agricultural and rural development programs, federal grant opportunities, water infrastructure, public safety, economic development, disaster recovery, and other areas where local governments rely on federal partnerships.
Major Reauthorizations Deadlines
Recent Farm Bill legislation has resulted in multiple extensions rather than a full five-year reauthorization. Although the House Agriculture Committee approved a full Farm Bill reauthorization this March, which later passed the full House, the Senate has yet to develop its own approach. The Farm Bill reaches far beyond traditional agriculture policy and includes nutrition, conservation, rural development, forestry, broadband-related authorities, and economic development resources. If Congress cannot reach agreement on a long-term Farm Bill, another temporary extension may be likely.
Reauthorization of federal surface transportation law is another major item on Congress’ agenda. The current authorization is scheduled to expire on September 30 and was last authorized through the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The next bill will help shape federal investments in highways, transit, freight movement, safety, pedestrian infrastructure, regional mobility, and planning programs. It may also affect grant eligibility, local match requirements, and the balance between formula funds and competitive programs. On May 17, House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee leaders released the text of a bipartisan, five-year surface transportation reauthorization bill, called the BUILD America 250 Act. With the Senate yet to advance its own proposal, additional work remains before Congress can reach agreement on a final package or pass a short-term extension.
While extensions can preserve existing federal authorities, they often do not provide the same opportunity to update programs, address new needs, or adjust policies to reflect current conditions.
Appropriations and Other Pending Federal Priorities
The annual appropriations process remains one of Congress’ most important responsibilities. Fiscal year 2026 ends on September 30, and Congress must either pass full-year appropriations bills or approve a temporary continuing resolution to avoid a lapse in federal funding for fiscal year 2027.
Congress may also consider several other policy areas with relevance to local governments. This includes WRDA, which authorizes U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects and policies related to ports, waterways, flood control, storm risk reduction, and other water infrastructure. Other issues under discussion include permitting reform, FEMA reform, housing legislation, artificial intelligence, online safety, cryptocurrency, drug pricing, data centers and the Export-Import Bank’s authority.
Congress may also revisit expired or overdue reauthorizations that have not yet received long-term updates, including the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and the Older Americans Act.
What Local Leaders Should Watch
The 2026 congressional calendar will significantly influence what can be accomplished before the midterm elections. In an election year, the legislative schedule becomes more constrained as Members spend more time in their states and districts campaigning, attending local events, and preparing for November.
As Congress approaches the midterm elections, local leaders should continue monitoring federal developments that affect transportation, rural development, disaster recovery, water infrastructure, housing, workforce programs, aging services, and match requirements. These issues may move quickly if attached to larger legislative vehicles. Continued engagement with federal lawmakers will be important as opportunities arise to elevate regional and local priorities.
About the author: Kyle Leopard is the Managing Director for Strategics Consulting, Centralina’s federal government relations consulting firm. For more information, visit www.strategics.consulting.
