Why It Matters

The American Traffic Safety Services Association is lobbying as Congress grapples with a persistent work zone safety crisis and prepares for the 2026 Surface Transportation Reauthorization. Work zone fatalities have surged 53 percent since 2010, creating political momentum for the traffic control measures and safety infrastructure that ATSSA members provide. Congress is actively considering multiple bills focused on work zone protection, vulnerable road user safety, and infrastructure data collection. ATSSA’s in-house lobbying strategy positions it to directly influence federal safety funding flows and technology priorities in the reauthorization process.

By the Numbers

The American Traffic Safety Services Association spent $62,512 on in-house lobbying in the last quarter of 2025, continuing its 22-year advocacy presence since 2003. The organization has filed 102 total disclosures and spent approximately $6.6 million historically, conducting the vast majority of its advocacy internally with 78 of 102 filings done in-house.

ATSSA strategically hired external firms during major legislative moments, including Chad Bradley & Associates LLC from 2008-2011 for transportation reauthorization ($150,000), plus earlier engagements with Alexander Strategy Group and Van Scoyoc Associates Inc. ($300,000 combined). The organization’s historical focus spans transportation (87 instances), taxation (32), roads and highways (31), and appropriations (30).

The Agenda

ATSSA did not disclose specific legislation in its final quarter filing, but its two-decade history reveals consistent priorities around transportation, roads and highways, budget and appropriations, and taxation issues.

Key focus areas include work zone safety, Highway Safety Improvement Program funding, Highway Trust Fund sustainability, and technology standards for connected vehicles. ATSSA has actively lobbied on Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act implementation and sought delays to "Build America, Buy America" provisions. The 2026 Surface Transportation Reauthorization looms as a major priority.

Broader Context

Multiple bipartisan bills align with ATSSA’s mission, including the Work Zone Weather Integration Act, PHASE Act, and Complete Streets Act legislation focused on protecting vulnerable road users and work zone safety.

Congressional hearings on America Builds roadway safety programs featured testimony on work zone traffic control measures. Federal funding continues flowing through safety programs, with Connecticut receiving over $6.8 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s "Safe Streets and Roads for All" program.

Between The Lines

The House Transportation Committee held hearings examining work zone safety protocols—central to ATSSA’s mission. Representative Troy Carter introduced the Preventing Roadside and Work Zone Deaths Act, while Representatives Mann and Davids introduced the Roadway Safety Modernization Act expanding Highway Safety Improvement Program eligibility—a long-standing ATSSA priority.

Confirmation hearings for Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and NHTSA leaders underscore congressional focus on regulatory standards affecting ATSSA members.

Competitive Landscape

ATSSA operates within a broader ecosystem of allied advocates. Municipal governments, including the City of Santa Monica and City of Oceanside, filed separate reports on roadway safety, complementing ATSSA’s national efforts. Montana State University lobbied on rural transportation research. No competing lobbying efforts opposing roadway safety priorities were identified, suggesting broad stakeholder alignment.

The Bottom Line

ATSSA’s $62,512 fourth quarter 2025 lobbying spending continues a consistent strategy refined over two decades. The organization operates within a congressional environment highly receptive to its priorities, with bipartisan legislation like S.2900 and H.R.4904 aligning with core advocacy areas. The approaching 2026 Surface Transportation Reauthorization will determine whether ATSSA’s focus on Highway Safety Improvement Program funding gains legislative traction.

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