Hoyer Joins National Capital REgion congressional Delegation To Express Disappointment in $50 Million Cut to Metro In Appropriations Bill

Press Release

Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) joined with Reps. Gerry Connolly (VA-11), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Chris Van Hollen (MD-8), John Sarbanes (MD-3), Donna Edwards (MD-4), John Delaney (MD-6), Don Beyer (VA-8), and Barbara Comstock (VA-10) to release the following joint statement after an amendment offered by the delegation to increase Metro's funding by $50 million failed in the House Wednesday evening. The amendment would have restored Metro's funding from the $100 million included in the House Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (T-HUD) Appropriationsbill for Fiscal Year 2016 to the full $150 million federal commitment:

"We are deeply disappointed that the House of Representatives has chosen to cut $50 million from Metro and not fulfill the long-standing federal commitment critical to rider safety improvements.

"Reducing this funding breaks the 10-year federal commitment and jeopardizes the successful local, state and federal partnership. Millions of Americans -- not just from the DC region, but from across the nation -- depend on Metro, which is why Congress and the federal government have a responsibility to the operation, oversight, and safety of the system.

"We will work with our House and Senate colleagues to restore this vital funding for Metro safety upgrades as the appropriations process moves forward."

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