Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Pete DeFazio

Lawmakers Push For Federal Help With Transit Operating: Read the Letter

The House and Senate are racing to reach agreement on a $90 billion bill to keep the Iraq and Afghanistan wars funded, but the legislation also could mark a pivotal victory for transit. 

Peter_DeFazio_2.jpgRep. Pete DeFazio (D-OR) (Photo: UPI)

The Senate version of the war bill contains a provision that would allow transit agencies to use 10 percent of their money they get from the economic stimulus law to pay operating costs. If the House agrees to add that provision to the war bill, it would be a boon to cash-strapped localities that are facing steep cuts in service thanks to the economic downturn.

Rep. Pete DeFazio (D-OR), chairman of the House transportation committee's highways and transit panel, has enlisted 26 colleagues for a letter to congressional leaders urging that the Senate's transit provision be kept in the final version of the war legislation.

CQ reported on the letter on Friday, but we have a complete copy for your downloading pleasure right here. Has your local member of Congress signed on?

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Friday’s Headlines Quit the Space Race

Money for Acela, the D.C. Metro and other transit systems could have been spent on a moon base instead. Get a history lesson in today's headlines.

January 24, 2025

OPINION: Slow Down on Our Bike Paths!

Our bike lanes have become what social critic Ivan Illich once defined as degraded public space. Here's one possible fix.

January 24, 2025

Does Daylighting Work? NYC DOT Questions The Accepted Wisdom

An agency committed to Vision Zero now says that cars blocking a driver's view is safe. Huh?

January 24, 2025

Friday Video: Why Bad Drivers Are Everywhere

U.S. roads all but guarantee that U.S. drivers will do dangerous things. But how did we get here — and how do we fix it?

January 24, 2025

Talking Headways Podcast: From Intern to CEO

What does it take to run a big (or small) engineering firm? Find out in this week's episode!

January 23, 2025
See all posts