Cian Cashin, AAMVA’s Vice President of Government Affairs, joined strategic partners the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) and the Governor’s Highway Safety Association (GHSA) to present this week at the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Washington briefing. The briefing provided AAMVA with the opportunity to highlight our key crossover initiatives and discuss plans for the upcoming Congressional surface transportation reauthorization. AAMVA, NCSL, and GHSA also provided updates on future plans for the Highway Trust Fund, federal vehicle registration fees, automated vehicles, and other legislative priorities heading into the reauthorization. The policy briefing preceded state department of transportation (DOT) conversations on national infrastructure policy that continued throughout the week and as state DOT members approach their Congressional delegations as part of reauthorization. The Washington Briefing provides an opportunity for participants to collaborate with leaders of state DOTs and industry executives on pressing policy matters. Highlighting legislative and regulatory developments in all modes of transportation, the 2026 edition of this longstanding forum focused on the state DOTs’ partnership with the new Presidential administration and Congress to focus on successes from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, build momentum for surface transportation reauthorization, FY 2027 appropriations, and other legislative and regulatory priorities of state DOTs. The event featured key industry partners, including Congressional members and staff, federal executive branch leaders, trade associations, the private sector, and media.