Skip to Content
Streetsblog Los Angeles home
Streetsblog Los Angeles home
Log In
Transit Advocacy

Congress Agrees to Keep Transit Operating Aid in War Bill

transit08_300.jpg(Photo: Model D Media)

House
and Senate negotiators struck a deal last night on a $106 billion war
spending bill that also gives cash-strapped transit agencies the
ability to use 10 percent of their economic stimulus grants to pay operating costs.

The issue of operating costs has heated up in recent weeks, with local transit officials supporting federal aid as a step towards more equitable funding consideration of all transportation modes.

Critics
of the idea contend that it is disingenuous to bill stimulus money for
transit operating as a short-term response to the economic recession --
or as Rep. Tom Latham (R-IA) put it last week, "there is nothing more
permanent than a temporary government program."

But despite
Latham's skepticism, the deal is done. The final version of the war
spending bill, with the transit operating aid provision intact, is
expected to become law as soon as next week.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog Los Angeles

Covina Residents Call on City for Protections from Immigration Raids

Community members took to city council to share their frustrations and demands.

July 8, 2025

This Week In Livable Streets

ICE protests and vigils, Culver City Better Overland, Metro NoHo-Pasadena BRT meetings, Metro Sepulveda Transit meetings, Metro PSAC, and more

July 7, 2025

Reclaiming Streets from ICE with Music, Dance, Altars, Mutual Aid, Community, and Resistance

The Mariachi Plaza event was one of four held across LA. Tuesday night. The June 19 abduction of street vendor Emma de Paz from the Hollywood Home Depot was a touchstone of the Eastside gathering.

July 4, 2025
See all posts