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The U.S. House of Representatives is currently debating an economic stimulus package that provides $4.6 billion in new federal funding for public transportation.  The House stimulus bill, H.R. 7110, would immediately appropriate $3.6 billion for “capital assistance grants” and $1 billion for “energy assistance grants.”  The “capital assistance grants” could be used for capital projects that could be executed quickly, and the “energy assistance grants” would be available for certain capital and operating costs, including transit fuel costs.  "Energy assistance" funds could be used to expand service or reduce fares, to avoid fare increases or service cuts that would otherwise result from increased costs for fuel, or to meet additional transportation-related equipment or facility maintenance expenses caused by increased ridership.  The proposed eligible uses for the “energy assistance grants” are the same as the eligible uses in the “Saving Energy Through Public Transportation Act of 2008,” H.R. 6052, which the House passed in June.

Earlier in the day, a similar stimulus bill that contained $2 billion for transit investment was pulled from the Senate floor after a procedural motion received only 52 votes, less than the 60 votes needed to proceed on the measure.  House and Senate leaders will continue debate on stimulus legislation over the weekend while they work to complete a bailout package for the financial industry.  After a bailout package is completed, Congress is expected to adjourn for the election.    It is not clear whether they will return for a lame duck session after the election.

If Congress adjourns without passing stimulus legislation, the chances for supplemental transit funding being enacted this year are dim.   Congressional offices will be staffed this weekend. APTA urges its members to contact their Members of Congress immediately to express support for transit investment in the stimulus bills.