02/02/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 02/02/2026 12:42
Washington, D.C. (February 2, 2026) - The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) today urged the U.S. House of Representatives to swiftly pass the bipartisan Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations bill, which provides critical federal investment for public transit and passenger rail infrastructure.
"This bipartisan legislation affirms that public transit and passenger rail are essential national infrastructure," said Paul P. Skoutelas, President and CEO of APTA. "We urge the House to act quickly to pass this bill and provide funding certainty for public transportation systems to continue investing in capital projects, safety improvements, and reliable service that millions of Americans depend on every day."
Together with IIJA advance appropriations, the FY 2026 THUD Appropriations Act provides $21.1 billion for public transit and $15.9 billion for passenger and freight rail, enabling public transit agencies nationwide to expand and modernize their systems to better serve their communities.
"Every dollar invested in public transportation returns five dollars in long-term economic value, with 77 percent of federal transit investment flowing to the private sector," Skoutelas said. "Passing this legislation will strengthen American manufacturing, support family-wage jobs, and keep the nation moving."
APTA greatly appreciates the bipartisan leadership of Senate Committee on Appropriations Chair Susan M. Collins (R-ME), Vice Chair Patty Murray (D-WA), Subcommittee Chair Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), and Ranking Member Kirsten E. Gillibrand (D-NY), together with House Committee on Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK), Ranking Member Rosa L DeLauro (D-CT), Subcommittee Chairman Steve Womack (R-AR), and Ranking Member James E. Clyburn (D-SC), in crafting and advancing this critical legislation. APTA also expresses appreciation to the Trump Administration for supporting the Appropriations package.
"We urge the House to pass the FY 2026 THUD legislation without delay," Skoutelas said. "Prompt passage will provide the funding certainty public transit agencies need and prevent unnecessary disruption to projects and services across the nation."
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