Join APTA: Urge Congress to Restore Public Transportation Funding; Continue to Block Proposed Grant Rule

APTA’s email advocacy campaign calls for restored public transit and passenger rail funding to fiscal year 2026 enacted levels. APTA is also urging Congress to permanently block the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) from implementing the Proposed Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance.

A Continuing Resolution (CR), signed into law September 2, is funding the federal government and provides a short-term Surface Transportation Authorization extension through December 11. As previously reported, the CR does not include “advance appropriations,” a form of guaranteed funding provided under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, resulting in a 20 percent (-$4.2 billion) cut to public transit investment and an 81 percent (-$12.9 billion) cut to passenger rail investment from fiscal year 2026 levels. Restoring these funds is currently APTA’s top legislative priority and is the focus of the urgent advocacy campaign.

The CR also includes a provision that temporarily blocks implementation of a proposed regulation of concern to APTA members and federal grantees. APTA supports this provision in the CR, and if the proposed rule is not withdrawn, urges Congress to permanently block OMB from implementing the proposed regulation for federal financial assistance.

The proposed rule changes procedures for federal grant management across the federal government. If implemented, the proposed rule will inject significant uncertainty into federal funding by allowing federal agencies to withhold, suspend, or terminate grants. Federal agencies would also be empowered to change key terms and conditions for grants, including during implementation of a project. APTA submitted comments to the Federal Register, and APTA members have advocated on Capitol Hill opposing the proposed rule and its policies.

During APTA’s Legislative Committee meeting at the recent TRANSform Conference & EXPO in Chicago, IL, attendees heard from Sarah Saadian, senior vice president of the National Council of Nonprofits. Saadian informed members of other ways to get involved, including signing a national letter and participating in a day of action on November 10 by contacting Members of Congress and posting advocacy messages on social media.

Learn more: APTA Talking Points – Block OMB from Issuing Final Rule on Federal Grant Management