House Committee Approves H.R.7 - Bill Includes Reduced Funding for Museums
Following a full day of debate on Feb. 2, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved, (29-24), H.R.7 - a transportation reauthorization bill which includes language to eliminate the current funding category dedicated to supporting transportation museums, and the dedicated funding for the Transportation Enhancements Program. The Senate has announced possible plans to consider its transportation bill, S.1813, the week of Feb. 6, following consideration of FAA reauthorization. The full House may consider H.R.7 the week of Feb. 13.
What Can You Do?
- Send a letter to your Representative or Senator urging them not to eliminate this important funding category.
- Find examples of Transportation Enhancements projects funded in your state.
- See additional information about the House and Senate bills.
House Committee to Consider Transportation Bill That Threatens Museums
On Thursday, Feb. 2, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is scheduled to consider H.R.7, (currently titled the American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act), a House transportation reauthorization bill. While the bill would maintain the Transportation Enhancements (TE) Program, language in the bill would eliminate the current funding categories dedicated to supporting transportation museums and public art programs, among other changes to the TE Program and funding.
In November 2011, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee approved (by a vote of 18-0) MAP-21 (S.1813), a two-year transportation reauthorization bill that includes similar language to eliminate the funding category dedicated to supporting transportation museums. Despite passing this committee, this bill has not yet gone to the Senate floor for a vote, and is subject to consideration by additional Senate committees. The Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee is scheduled to consider (Feb. 2) the public transit provisions of MAP-21 (S.1813). Congress must act by the end of March 2012, when the current transportation authorization is slated to expire.
Since 1992, the Transportation Enhancements Program has provided more than $110 million to support programs in transportation-related museums, and has allowed states and communities to rehabilitate bridges and tunnels, restore historic structures and revitalize local historic districts.
What Can You Do?
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