Hoyer Statement in Response to Federal Transit Administration Decision to Withhold Transit Formula Funding

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today after the Federal Transit Administration announced their decision to withhold five percent of Fiscal Year 2017 transit formula funds from Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia until a new State Safety Oversight Program is established:

"Today's decision by the Federal Transit Administration to withhold transit funds from Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia until a State Safety Oversight Program is established and certified further stresses the importance of implementing this Program swiftly. The safety of Metro is of paramount concern, but it is unfortunate that the FTA has decided to punish the entirety of these jurisdictions. I strongly encourage the Maryland General Assembly, the Virginia General Assembly, and the D.C. Council to pass legislation to enact the new State Safety Oversight Program as quickly as possible, so that these funds are once again available to the National Capital region."