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

Streetsblog Year in Review: The Biggest Sustainable Transport News of 2024

It was a busy year in the movement to end car dependency — and there's a lot more to come.

December 23, 2024

Friday Video: Traveling Without the Car

City Nerd focuses on the cities where it's easiest to get into town without a car.

December 20, 2024

Friday’s Headlines Share and Share Alike

It's pretty clear that bike- and scooter-shares reduce car trips, but it may be time to consider a subsidized or nonprofit model for car-shares as well.

December 20, 2024

Inside California’s Messy E-Bike Voucher Launch

Over 100,000 Californians tried to grab 1,500 e-bike vouchers in less than an hour. But does that mean the launch was bungled?

December 19, 2024

Talking Headways Podcast: Indianapolis’s Blossoming BRT Network

Austin Gibble on bus rapid transit and cycling in Indiana's capital city.

December 19, 2024
See all posts