Things are moving fast on the stimulus bill, but a short window has opened where we can make a difference on rail and mass transit funding in the stimulus. Here is the situation:
- As reported by WI Dem in Quick Hits, several House members are submitting amendments to increase rail funding to the stimulus package:
The amendment would distribute $1.5 billion for the Transit Capital Assistance Program and $1.5 billion for Capital Assistance Grants, known as the New Starts Program.
The bill is introduced by Representative Nadler, and can be read here. There are other amendments introduced by Representatives C. Brown and Hare, that would increase rail funding by $3.9 billion and $500 million respectively. Any and all amendments to increase rail funding would be great.
- These amendments must be approved by the House Rules Committee today in order to be considered on the floor tomorrow. The Rules Committee will be meeting at 3:30 p.m. eastern to consider amendments to the stimulus bill.
This gives us two hours to make our voice heard for more rail funding in the stimulus bill. To do so, please contact the Rules Committee. Politely state your support for the Nadler, Brown and Hare amendments for increased rail funding. Ask the committee to approve these amendments for a floor vote tomorrow.
Their phone number is 202-225-9091.
This is a very short window, as the situation is fluid and happening fast. However, this also means we can make a difference. Please call now, and let the Rules Committee hear your support for the Nadler, Brown and Hare amendments to increase rail and mass transit funding.
Update: Lots of calls coming in. The committee is noticing! Commenter lord_mike writes after taking action:
Staffer said "We've been getting calls on that."
Commenter art3 writes:
called them and they have gotten many calls on this.
Also, if you live in a congressional district for a Democratic member of the Rules Committee, contact their office directly, and make the same ask listed above:
Chair Louise Slaughter, New York 28th
(202) 225-3615
Rep. Michael Arcuri, New York 24th
(202) 225-366
Rep. Chellie Pingree, Maine 1st
(202) 225-6116
Rep. James McGovern, Massachusetts 3rd
(202) 225-6101
Rep. Alcee Hastings, Florida 23rd
(202) 225-1313
Rep. Ed Perlmutter, Colorado 7th
(202) 225-2645
Rep. Jared Polis, Colorado 2nd
(202) 225-2161
Rep. Doris Matsui, California 5th
(202) 225-7163
Rep. Dennis Cardoza, California 18th
(202) 225-6131
Less than an hour before the meeting starts. Make a quick call now!
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