Letter to the Hon. Janet Yellen, Secretary of the Treasury - LaHood Leads Colleagues to Urge Implementation of CERTS Act
Letter
Dear Secretary Yellen:
Congratulations on your recent confirmation to lead the U.S. Department of Treasury. We write today to request your assistance in implementing the Coronavirus Economic Relief for Transportation Services (CERTS) Act provisions included in the recently-enacted Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act.
We supported the CERTS Act because America's motorcoach, school bus, and passenger vessel industries have been greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. These industries play an essential role in national and community transportation networks, providing vital services for large and small as well as urban and rural communities. For example, the motorcoach industry recently provided more than 700 buses to transport National Guard troops to Washington D.C. to protect our nation's capital.
This past year has been incredibly challenging for these vital transportation providers as almost all major sources of business and revenue has been severely restricted or eliminated by state mandated closures -- including school and sports-related travel, tourism, and mass public events. Unfortunately, indicators forecast that we will not be returning to normal operations for months. To ensure that these transportation service providers are ready and available for Americans once the economy reopens, emergency funding for these industries is necessary. That is why the U.S. Department of Treasury must move as quickly as possible to provide financial assistance, as authorized by Congress, to these companies that desperately need to keep their employees on payroll and cover increased operating costs.
We are encouraged to hear that Treasury staff has recently been consulting with various industry and advocacy groups, along with the U.S. Department of Transportation. We look forward to working with you to ensure expeditious implementation of the Coronavirus Economic Relief for Transportation Services (CERTS) Act provisions.
Source