NASBP Focal Point – September 23, 2025

Federal Report

Federal: As lawmakers stare down a Sept. 30 government shutdown deadline, President Trump was expected to meet with Democratic leaders Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries later this week to discuss the funding deadline. That meeting, however, was canceled. Prior to the planned meeting, neither side seemed hopeful that progress would be made. Democrats are still threatening to withhold support unless they win concessions over health care spending. Last week, by a vote of 217-212, the House passed a seven-week stopgap funding bill, which expires on November 20. The House short-term spending package did not advance in the Senate by failing to reach the necessary 60 votes required to advance spending bills. The plan is for lawmakers to continue to negotiate during this period to reach an agreement. Congress is on recess this week.

Transportation Construction Coalition (TCC): NASBP and 34 members of the TCC delivered a letter to the Senate and House Leadership urging Congress to continue the practice of fully funding transportation programs at previously authorized investment levels for FY 2026. The final year of the 2021 infrastructure law begins October 1 and both the House and Senate authorizing committees have already signaled plans to advance new legislation in the coming months. Passing a fully funded FY 2026 spending bill on time will give lawmakers the solid foundation they need to draft and move long-term road, bridge, and transit legislation before current programs expire next year.

The 2026 Fly-in room block is now open, but rooms are limited so don’t delay. Once again, there will be no registration fee to attend, making it the perfect opportunity to join your NASBP colleagues in an effort to ensure federal policymakers understand the significant role bonds play to protect taxpayer funds and advance public works infrastructure projects. The Fly-in will kick off on Tuesday, February 24, with an afternoon “Washington Program” and a welcome reception at the host hotel, the Hilton Washington DC Capitol Hill. Wednesday, Feb. 25, will be dedicated to Capitol Hill appointments. NASBP will provide more details about registration, hotel and Capitol Hill appointments in the coming months. Full registration will open sometime later this Fall, but for now please take this opportunity to reserve your room for the event.

State Activity

NASBP will continue to monitor state activity throughout the remainder of the year. As we go to press, there are currently 11 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.