METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Senate votes not to move forward with transportation bill debate

Democrats voted in unison against proceeding to the 1,030-page bill, arguing they had no time to review the complicated legislation, with the cloture vote to proceed to consideration of the bill needing 60 total votes. There were indications there could be a re-vote on Wednesday.

July 22, 2015
Senate votes not to move forward with transportation bill debate

Jyothis

2 min to read


Jyothis

WASHINGTON, D.C. — By a vote of 41 to 56, the Senate rejected a motion to move forward with the six-year highway bill crafted by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA), reported The Hill.

Democrats voted in unison against proceeding to the 1,030-page bill, arguing they had no time to review the complicated legislation, with the cloture vote to proceed to consideration of the bill needing 60 total votes. There were indications there could be a re-vote on Wednesday, however, The Hill also reported it could be an uphill battle. For the full story, click here.

Ad Loading...

Much of the controversy about the bill involves the offsets for the general funds that would be deposited into the Highway Trust Fund, including the Mass Transit Account, to pay for programs. Total offsets were estimated to cover only about the first three years of the authorized spending, and many of those offsets were somewhat controversial, according to an APTA Legislative Update.

The Senate Banking Committee title to the bill was released as part of the larger bill, but no Committee markup was held. That portion of the bill would increase the authorization for public transportation programs from $10.862 billion in the current year to $11.797 billion in FY 2016, increasing to $13.26 billion in FY 2021.

The bill also modifies the existing Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Buy America rules. It increases the domestic content requirements for rolling stock from the current 60% to 65% in Fiscal Years 2018 and 2019, and 70% in FY 2020 and thereafter. The bill further includes language on innovative and state cooperative procurements.

More Management

A tan, blue, and green graphic with text reading "Record Ridership: World Cup 2026."
Managementby Elora HaynesJune 18, 2026

FIFA World Cup Matches Are Driving Record Transit Ridership Nationwide

See how World Cup matches are generating record transit demand across North America, with ridership surpassing Super Bowls, concerts, and Olympic-era events.

Read More →
Zero-emissions bus with FLEETWATCH technology
ManagementJune 17, 2026

The Hidden Cost of Fuel Data Inaccuracy in Public Transit Fleets

In today's transit environment, accurate fuel and mileage data are critical to reducing costs, minimizing downtime, and improving fleet performance.

Read More →
Six-Year Plan Boosts Virginia Transit, Rail Investments
Managementby StaffJune 17, 2026

Virginia's $28.5B Transportation Plan Targets Transit and Rail

Approved by the Commonwealth Transportation Board, the program supports ongoing infrastructure projects while providing new investments in transit, state of good repair and transportation alternatives.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A color graphic with LIT's logo and text reading "Now Accepting 2027 Host City Proposals."
Managementby Staff and News ReportsJune 17, 2026

Latinos In Transit Seeks Host Organization for 2027 Leadership Summit

The selected host organization will showcase its transit system, projects, and community while welcoming hundreds of industry leaders and emerging professionals during Hispanic Heritage Month.

Read More →
Group announcing BUSES Act
Motorcoachby StaffJune 16, 2026

Bipartisan BUSES Act Seeks Changes to New York City's Bus Idling Enforcement Program

Backed by motorcoach operators, the legislation seeks to balance emissions goals with passenger safety by allowing limited idling for inspections, accessibility needs and extreme weather conditions.

Read More →
Security and Safetyby StaffJune 16, 2026

DOT: Brightline Corridor Incidents Fall 30% Following Federal Safety Upgrades

Safety improvements funded through a $25 million federal investment are credited with reducing trespassing and train-vehicle collisions along the Brightline Florida corridor.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
An LA Metro D Line train in Union Station
Managementby StaffJune 16, 2026

D Line Expansion Fuels Growth Across LA Metro's Rail System

Weekend rail ridership was especially strong, soaring 18% as riders embraced expanded access to jobs, entertainment, dining, and cultural destinations, said the agency. Total system ridership for May, including bus and rail, was 26,966,657.

Read More →
Manhattan Congestion Relief Zone Sees Traffic Reduction
Managementby StaffJune 15, 2026

Q4 Travel Data Reveals Drop in Vehicle Traffic to Manhattan Congestion Zone

NYMTC’s quarterly Travel Patterns Report provides a snapshot of travel activity throughout New York City, Long Island, the Lower Hudson Valley, and northern New Jersey using data collected from the agencies operating the region’s bridges, tunnels, and public transit systems.

Read More →
A user demonstrating Metrolink's contactless fare payment pilot.
Technologyby StaffJune 12, 2026

Southern California's Metrolink Debuts Contactless Fare Payment Pilot

Customers traveling between Redlands and Los Angeles can now tap their preferred payment method, including a credit or debit card, mobile wallet, or wearable device, at station validators before boarding and again while exiting.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A BART train on the tracks.
Managementby StaffJune 12, 2026

California's BART Approves FY27 Budget While Maintaining Service Levels

The budget covers July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, a period when pandemic emergency funds run out, the District faces a structural deficit of $375 million, and a regional transit funding measure may appear on the November ballot.

Read More →