Happening Now
House Passes One Week Budget Extension
December 9, 2020
House Passes One Week Budget Extension; New Deadline is Dec. 18 to Secure Emergency Funding for Amtrak and Transit
This afternoon the U.S. House of Representatives passed a one-week extension of current funding law to keep the government open through December 18. The U.S. Senate is expected to pass an identical extension ahead of this Friday’s deadline when the current funding is set to expire.
That gives passengers another week to ensure that Amtrak and transit are included in the final passage!
Our sources on Capitol Hill are telling us that the current bipartisan compromise includes $1 billion for Amtrak and $15 billion for mass transit systems, which would help avoid further cuts and layoffs for rail operators struggling with the coronavirus pandemic and anemic ridership.
With disagreement over key passages, the bill is still very much in flux—and there’s no guarantee that the Senate will pass a coronavirus relief package at all unless they hear from their constituents. We need your help to stiffen the spines of your members of Congress between now and next week!
"When [NARP] comes to Washington, you help embolden us in our efforts to continue the progress for passenger rail. And not just on the Northeast Corridor. All over America! High-speed rail, passenger rail is coming to America, thanks to a lot of your efforts! We’re partners in this. ... You are the ones that are going to make this happen. Do not be dissuaded by the naysayers. There are thousands of people all over America who are for passenger rail and you represent the best of what America is about!"
Secretary Ray LaHood, U.S. Department of Transportation
2012 NARP Spring Council Meeting
Comments