March 10, 2021 FEDERAL UPDATE WEBINAR 3/30 - Register & Details Here
Transit News from Across the SWTA Nation
Federal News, Legislation & Policy Updates
Update on the American Rescue Act and earmarks; Share your mask/distancing enforcement experiences with FTA
The $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 passed by the U.S. Senate on March 6, 2021. The bill returns to the U.S. House of Representatives for a vote today. The House previously passed the legislation at the end of February and the Senate's version includes $30.5 billion for the transit industry, as well as $1.7 billion for Amtrak. Read More

Meanwhile, news emerged this week that Congress will re-introduce earmarks this session. This article includes some context from House T&I Committee Chair Peter DeFazio (Ore.).

Finally, FTA is collecting transit agency input on federal mask and social distancing enforcement through this online collection portal through March 22nd.

Our Legislative Committee will soon be updating our 2021-2022 Legislative Agenda; view our 2019-2020 priorities and let Executive Director Rich Sampson (rsampson@swta.org; 225.270.0855) know of any federal policy issues that are important to your agency, region or state.
As part of the Transit Tuesdays Webinar Series, SWTA & 7 state transit associations are hosting Moving Forward in 2021! Decisions in D.C. Roll Across America on Monday, March 30 at 3:00 PM Eastern (2:00 PM Central). The panel will feature Katie Kachel of Chambers, Conlon & Hartwell, who represents the SWTA Nation in D.C. For full details & registration, click here.