Happening Now
House Passes Build Back Better Act
November 19, 2021
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Build Back Better Act (H.R. 5376), an infrastructure bill containing $10 billion in funding for high-speed rail and $10 billion for a transit program focused on increasing access to housing and jobs.
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Build Back Better Act (H.R. 5376), an infrastructure bill containing $10 billion in funding for high-speed rail and $10 billion for a transit program focused on increasing access to housing and jobs.
“We applaud the work House leadership has done with the Build Back Better Act, which will establish a new program to advance high-speed rail projects,” said Jim Mathews, President & CEO of the Rail Passengers Association. “The Passenger Rail Improvement, Modernization and Expansion (PRIME) grant program, in conjunction with the rail programs in the bipartisan infrastructure bill, will play a vital role in creating new high-capacity, high-speed, electrified rail corridors. These services will provide access to a safer, more energy-efficient mode of intercity transportation for tens of millions of Americans.”
The bill passed the House by a nearly party line vote, with 220 Democrats voting yes and 212 Republican nays, with Democrat Jared Golden of Maine crossing the aisle to vote against the legislation. The bill will now move to the Senate, where it will be subject to intense negotiations over the final shape of the programs. However, the Senate will be able to use budget reconciliation to pass the bill through a simple majority, avoiding the filibuster.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has publicly stated he hopes to clear the bill before the December recess, which would put the legislation on track for final passage before the end of the year.
You can still share your support for high-speed rail with your Senators!
"On behalf of Amtrak’s onboard service staff, I want to thank the Rail Passengers Association for honoring their hard work with this award. The past couple years have indeed been difficult for Amtrak onboard service staff – coping with furloughs and job insecurity, adapting to changing protocols and services, not to mention the unfortunate events such as a tragic derailment and a fatal shooting. Nevertheless, our dedicated members at Amtrak have handled these hurdles with the care, attention and diligence for which they’re known. We thank Rail Passengers for their acknowledgement of our members’ hard work and, as always, look forward to seeing you on the rails."
Arthur Maratea, TCU/IAM National President
December 21, 2021, on the Association awarding its 2021 Golden Spike Award to the Frontline Amtrak Employees.
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