[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 47 (Wednesday, March 24, 2010)]
[House]
[Page H2263]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   FUNDING FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

  (Mr. SIRES asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. SIRES. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of allowing public 
transit agencies to flex their Federal transit funding for operating 
expenses. Current law forbids transit systems in areas with a 
population of over 200,000 to use funds for operating. This has forced 
transit agencies across the country to cut services at a time when 
people are using transit more than ever. In 2008, transit use reached 
its highest level in five decades. In my home State of New Jersey, you 
can take a bus to any part of our State, and there are nearly 1,000 
miles of rail line. Building this dynamic transportation system took 
years to develop, yet routes are being slashed because of the high cost 
of operating expenses.
  All across our Nation, public transportation routes are being closed, 
and it is critical that we find a solution for our constituents. 
Congressman Carnahan has introduced a bill, H.R. 2746, that would allow 
public transit agencies to use some of their Federal funding for 
operating expenses. I am proud to cosponsor this bill, and I urge my 
colleagues to support this legislation that gives transit agencies the 
flexibility necessary to continue their great service.

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