The House of Representatives passed the 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act (H.R. 1105), Wednesday, by a vote of 245-178.
The $410 billion bill, which funds domestic federal programs for the full 2009 fiscal year, includes $10.23 billion in new budget authority for public transportation — a $740 million increase, or 7.8 percent, over last year’s level, but $106 million less than the level authorized in SAFETEA-LU.
The Continuing Resolution, which currently funds programs included in the Omnibus, expires March 6, 2009. If enacted, the funding provided in the omnibus would be an all time high for transit, according to the American Public Transportation Association.
The same bill will be considered in the Senate next week.