Congress Readies Final Business of 2024 | Transport Topics

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With less than two weeks before adjourning for the year, a must-pass measure is gaining momentum as Senate Democrats continue to seek support for a disaster relief package.

Following high-profile hearings and recent negotiations on the Biden White House’s nearly $100 billion disaster aid request, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) reminded colleagues of the urgency of the matter.

“I believe we must try as much as possible to get it done, and we on the Democratic side have been persistent in getting as many dollars as possible to help both blue and red states affected by disaster,” Schumer said Dec. 10. “I remain hopeful and determined that we can reach a deal with our Republican counterparts, but the only way we’re going to get a disaster package done is with a serious show of bipartisan cooperation.”

RELATED: Biden Seeks $98 Billion in Hurricane Relief Funding

Explaining that this year about two dozen natural disasters destroyed communities and halted the flow of commerce in North Carolina, Florida and elsewhere, Schumer added, “Disaster aid is not a Democrat or Republican issue whatsoever — Mother Nature comes for us all, as we’ve seen in every part of the country time and time again.”

Schumer and senior Democrats have pointed to the possibility of including the disaster aid funds in an end-of-the-year continuing resolution, or CR. The funding resolution, if approved by Congress and enacted by the president, would keep federal agencies operating beyond a Dec. 20 government funding deadline.

The likelihood of Congress signing off on a continuing resolution before this month’s deadline is high. Republicans, led by Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and Senate Majority Leader-elect John Thune (R-S.D.) have expressed a preference to work with the incoming Trump administration on funding issues. President-elect Donald Trump will return to the White House on Jan. 20.

The current White House is asking Congress to approve nearly $100 billion in emergency funds to boost operations at the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other departments. Specific to transportation programs, President Joe Biden is requesting about $8 billion to repair infrastructure and connectivity networks destroyed by severe weather events. Funding also would go toward assisting with rebuilding Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, which collapsed in March after being struck by a cargo ship.

President Joe Biden is seeking funds to help rebuild Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, which collapsed in March. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Under a CR, full fiscal 2025 funding legislation specific to the U.S. Department of Transportation and other federal agencies would continue to await consideration. Earlier this year, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved a transportation bill that would provide $964.5 million for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. A House committee-passed transportation bill would provide FMCSA with $909 million. That House bill would dedicate $200 million for parking expansion projects for commercial truck drivers.

Another funding measure percolating this month is the annual National Defense Authorization Act. The House on Dec. 11 voted 281-140 to advance the final version of the Pentagon policy bill to the Senate. The massive bill includes provisions related to compensation, health care, military readiness, nuclear power, environmental surveys and freight security, among other issues.

“Providing for our service members is the most important job that Congress has. Every single man and woman who serves in our Armed Forces made the selfless decision to serve and protect our nation. It is vital that we ensure that our service members and their families are taken care of,” said Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (R-Ala.), who urged the Senate to clear the bill for Biden’s signature.

“For over 60 consecutive years, the NDAA has served as the foundation for our national security priorities, fulfilling Congress’ sacred obligation to provide for the common defense and underscoring our commitment to the people who bravely serve our country and their families,” added Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.), the panel’s ranking member. “There is much to celebrate in this bill thanks to the bipartisan commitment that defined the time-honored process.”

Senate floor managers have yet to schedule the bill for a final vote. Specific to trucking policy, the NDAA would direct the commander at the U.S. Transportation Command to brief Congress within a year on the performance of the Global Household Goods contract. The briefing must detail feedback from service members about its implementation as well as updates specific to its progression.

According to Transcom, the GHC is meant to improve the relocation process for military personnel and their families. A coalition of professional movers and independent owner-operators have raised concerns about the program.