Arlington, VA – COMTO's first A View from The Hill legislative advocacy webinar saw record participation from Capitol Hill. In live and recorded remarks, eight Congressional offices were represented, updating COMTO members on such critical issues like the status of small business contracts following the DBE IFR and the Surface Transportation Reauthorization. 

"As I begin my term as chair of the COMTO Board of Directors, my vision is focused on strengthening the organization’s reach, relevance, and value across the transportation industry and in the halls of Congress," said COMTO Board Chair Dr. Lester Woods, Jr. 

"This is indeed a critical time for our nation's infrastructure, and your expertise is needed now more than ever as we share our knowledge and expertise, in real time, with elected decision makers," COMTO President & CEO April Rai added. 

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee recently passed the bipartisan BUILD America 250 Act. The President temporarily extended the IIJA (which was set to expire September 30, 2026) by signing a stop gap funding bill to prevent a government shut down. But the Continuing Resolution is only good until December 11th. Still, House Speaker Mike Johnson has reportedly said passing the Reauthorization before the year is out will be a priority. 

"What is really needed, however, is for Congress to pass permanent legislation that prioritizes polices that strengthen workforce pipelines, expand opportunities for small businesses, accelerate project delivery, and support innovative mobility solutions," said COMTO Board Member and Legislative Advocacy Council Chair Debra Johnson. 

"I'm confident that it will get done because this is a universal issue. This isn't a contentious issue," T& I Committee Member and CBC Transportation Braintrust Chair Rep. Andre Carson told COMTO members. "I think Republicans and Democrats are in sync in terms of what it looks like. I think the deadline may shift, but regardless of where you're from in the country, if you come from a rural center or an urban center, transportation is universal." 

However, Congressman Carson encouraged COMTO members to advocate for adequate funding to keep the programs going. Currently, the CR contains cuts to public transit and passenger rail. The bill does not include advance appropriations; a form of guaranteed funding provided in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).  

(D) Senator Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland and the ranking member of the Senate Transportation & Infrastructure Subcommittee delivered recorded remarks thanking COMTO for its 55 years legacy of advocacy and pledged her partnership in creating a strong transportation ecosystem. 

"As we look toward the future, we also have to invest in our transportation workforce, creating strong pipelines into good paying careers and making sure the next generation has the skills and opportunities to build the infrastructure our country needs," said Sen. Alsobrooks, "Transportation connects people to jobs, education, healthcare, and one another as we work on surface transportation reauthorization, I'll keep fighting to make sure those connections and the economic opportunities that come with them reach every community." 

COMTO Chapters who sponsored our event through the Chapter Leadership Collective shared details of their local advocacy efforts as they introduced the remaining 5 recorded Congressional videos, including remarks from Republican Rep. Gus Bilkaris of Florida.  

"Washington should be a partner, not a roadblock. Local officials are in the best position to determine which projects will have the greatest impact for their residents," Rep. Bilrakis explained, "We must emphasize transparency, accountability, and project delivery reforms that reduce unnecessary delays. It's important for members to hear directly from you about the projects that matter most. Your input will help shape our work in Congress. Thank you again for your leadership, your partnership, and your commitment to making our transportation system safer, stronger, and better prepared for the future." 

Tyler Hofmann-Reardon, legislative aide to (D)Sen. Raphael Warnock of Georgia joined the webinar and spoke about the Senator's efforts to address the DBE IFR. Prior to the virtual convening, members received advocacy packets which included a Caucus letter sent to USDOT Secretary Duffy detailing the value of the DBE program and the impact and losses felt following the IFR. Sec. Duffy's response letter was also included. 

" I know it's been a tough couple of years with a lot of litigation and uncertainty, but I just continue to be impressed by the resilience of this community and the way that you all have not backed down from, an unfortunate challenge here," Hofmann-Reardon told COMTO members, " Secretary Duffy recently released a list of transportation programs that should not be reauthorized. And DBE was not on that list. That doesn't mean we could take our foot off the gas, but all of this together is a little bit of encouragement at a time when I think we all kind of need that." 

Hofmann-Reardon encouraged small businesses to submit their personal stories to Sen. Warnock's office as they gather more information to continue negotiations. 

The webinar concluded with a letter writing workshop and a call to action.  

"Let’s take our advocacy beyond this space," Deputy CEO Tyra Redus encouraged participants. "Each of you should have received an email prior to this webinar that contained a drop box link with our 2026 Advocacy Packet. Inside, there's a template advocacy letter. We ask that you personalize it and email that letter plus COMTO's 2026 Legislative Priorities to lawmakers by October 1st." 

We'd like to thank the following sponsors of our 2026 A View from The Hill webinar:  

Premier Sponsor - WSP 
Friends of COMTO Sponsor - GFT 
Small Business Sponsors – Ardmore Roderick and STV 
Chapter Leadership Collective – COMTO Atlanta, COMTO Cleveland, COMTO DC, COMTO North Texas, COMTO North Carolina, COMTO Houston, and COMTO Jacksonville.