Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Federal Stimulus

Urgent Action: Billions for Transit in Jeopardy

3:05 PM EST on February 6, 2009

A Senate amendment full of spending cuts would strip $3.4 billion in transit funding from the stimulus package, Greg Sargent reports. One of the few areas that might get a spending increase in the amendment is highways. The amendment, sponsored by Republican Susan Collins and Democrat Ben Nelson, is seen as a bipartisan compromise that will likely clear the way for the whole bill to pass. There is time to prevent the amendment from including these steep cuts in transit funding, which would drop the total for transit almost in half.

Readers should call your senators and make clear that it is unacceptable for any amendment to raid public transit and increase highway spending. The number for the Senate switchboard is (202) 224-3121, or you can look up your senator here.

Update: Head over to the Transportation for America action alert for concise talking points. We hear the Senate is getting bombarded with calls, so dial a few times if you don't get through immediately. If you're still getting a busy signal, you can also follow this link and use the email forms to contact your senators.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Monday’s Headlines Are Open for Business

Monday will be just another Monday for federal employees, as Congress avoided a government shutdown. Plus, declining gas tax revenue provides an opportunity to rethink transportation funding.

October 2, 2023

Why Connecticut is Investing in New Regional Rail

Gov. Ned Lamont will spend $315 million investment on new rail cars — but they're not going anywhere near Grand Central. Here's why.

October 2, 2023

To Help Save the Planet, Take the ‘Week Without Driving’ Challenge

Former Sierra Club President Ramón Cruz is urging Americans to give up driving for seven days — and support policies to make it optional for everyone.

September 29, 2023

Labor Gains: NYC Judge Tosses App Giants’ Suit to Stop Deliverista Minimum Wage

Justice Nicholas Moyne cleared the way for a long-delayed wage hike for workers who brave dangerous roads to bring food directly to New Yorkers.

September 29, 2023

Friday’s Headlines Are Charged Up

Expect a lot fewer ordinary gas stations and a few more Buc-ee's in your area as the electric vehicle transition continues.

September 29, 2023
See all posts