NASBP Focal Point – July 27, 2026

Federal Report

Federal: Before the House adjourned for the annual August recess, House Speaker Johnson (R-LA) notched several victories including the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)–the annual defense spending bill, a short-term appropriations bill to fund the federal government through December 4 and a budget blueprint spending bill of $95 billion, which includes appropriations to fund the war in Iran, farm aid, and funding for the voter ID bill known as the SAVE America Act. These bills, however, face uncertainty as they head to the Senate. Senate Majority Leader Thune (R-SD) has had difficulty advancing the Senate’s NDAA due to funding dedicated to the war in Iran. Senate appropriators are hoping to negotiate their own short-term funding bill while Majority Leader Thune will not commit to a timeline. It has been reported that should Leader Thune decide to bring up the House fiscal budget blueprint, it will be sometime after the August recess.

Today, the Construction Transportation Coalition (TCC) , which is comprised of 33 national associations and labor unions including NASBP, delivered a letter to House Speaker Johnson (R-LA), House Minority Leader Jeffries (D-NY), Chair of the House Appropriations Committee Cole (R-OK) and Ranking Member DeLauro (D-NY) urging them to preserve the FY 2026 funding levels enacted for all federal transportation programs, including those funded through the Highway Trust Fund and advance appropriations, as part of any short-term government funding measure or surface transportation program extension. According to TCC’s letter, any decision by Congress to reduce funding to federal transportation programs as part of a short-term continuing resolution or extension of the surface transportation programs will inject uncertainty into state and local investment decisions and potentially lead to delays in completing or commencing work on critical infrastructure projects that benefit the safety of our nation’s travelers, support our nation’s economy, and help create and maintain important jobs.

Mark your calendars: Dates are set for the 2027 Fly-in: The 2027 Fly-in will take place once again at the Hilton Washington DC Capitol Hill on Tuesday, February 23, 2027, for the afternoon “Washington Program” and the evening welcome reception. Congressional visits will take place on Wednesday, February 24, 2027. Additional information will be provided later this fall. In the meantime, please save the date!

State Report

NASBP will continue to monitor state activity throughout the remainder of the year. As we go to press, there are currently 8 states in session. Please contact NASBP if you are aware of legislation and/or proposed regulations in your state that may impact the surety industry.

If you are aware of any bills impacting the industry, please reach out to Larry LeClair, NASBP’s Director of Government Relations, and let us know.