Media contact: David Roscow, 202-537-1645 x254
Washington, DC – Amalgamated Transit Union International President Larry Hanley today released the following statement on Congress’ passage of a six-month extension of the federal surface transportation authorization act:
“The ATU commends Congress for passing a “clean” six-month extension of SAFETEA-LU – the surface transportation authorization act - without any cuts or policy changes that would have wreaked havoc on America’s already compromised mass transit system.
“We are greatly encouraged by the bipartisan recognition that a shutdown of the Department of Transportation and suspension of key transportation projects would have been a devastating blow to America’s economic recovery.
“Now Congress must turn its attention to developing a long-term transportation authorization proposal that will create jobs and ensure Americans have access to safe, reliable public transportation. Congress could actually put the nation's economic recovery on a fast track by passing President Obama's Fiscal Year (FY) 2012 Department of Transportation (DOT) budget proposal, which calls for nearly doubling the size of the federal transit program in FY 2012
“It is imperative that Congress pass this legislation over the next six months, as it is unlikely that any major spending bill will be considered during the 2012 election year.
“Public transportation is vital to our nation and it’s economy. No amount of funding will fix the current mass transit crisis if Congress fails to amend the law barring most transit agencies from using at least some of their federal funding for operating assistance.
“We look forward to working with Congress and the Administration in fashioning legislation that will lead to the creation of a truly world-class U.S. public transit system.”
About the ATU
The Amalgamated Transit Union is the largest labor organization representing transit workers in the United States and Canada. Founded in 1892, the ATU today is comprised of over 190,000 members in 264 local unions spread across 44 states and nine provinces, including 3,000 workers at Greyhound Lines, Inc. Composed of bus drivers, light rail operators, maintenance and clerical personnel and other transit and municipal employees, the ATU works to promote transit issues and fights for the interests of itshard-working members.
David Roscow
Amalgamated Transit Union, AFL-CIO
W. 202-537-1645 x254
C. 202-487-4990
www.atu.org
