GOP Lawmakers Target the Federal Transit Subsidy for Cuts

"The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) is moving to protect a 20 percent subsidy for U.S. transit projects that is included in the federal highway bill amid criticism from some congressional Republicans," reports Keith Lang.

Laing quotes American Public Transportation Association (APTA) President Michael Melaniphy, who is obviously nonplussed at the possibility that the federal government could cut funding for public transit: "Such an action would be catastrophic for public transportation systems nationwide and hurt the millions of Americans who use it every day in growing numbers." 

Laing also explains the thinking of  "Several GOP lawmakers suggested during a hearing on U.S. infrastructure funding this week that eliminating the provision that requires 20 percent of all gas tax revenue that is collected to be set aside for transit projects would be a way to boost the nation's spending on roads and bridges."

The article includes a lot more information about the transportation expenditures included in the Obama Administration's recently proposed budget as well as a response from Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx, who was the target of the anti-transit rhetoric during the hearing of the House Transportation Committee.