Comstock-Edwards Amendment To Fix Broken WMATA Board Passes House

Statement

Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA) released the following statement today after the House passed an important amendment that transfers authority to appoint the Federal Director of the WMATA board from the General Services Administration to the U.S. Secretary of Transportation:

"This bipartisan amendment grants the U.S. Secretary of Transportation authority to appoint someone with real transit experience to the WMATA board," said Congresswoman Comstock. "It is paramount that Metro meets all the necessary safety requirements. Metro will only win the public's trust again if it changes its culture. Our amendment that passed today is necessary to achieve that goal. I appreciate working with Congresswoman Edwards in shepherding this important amendment through the House."

"It is no secret that WMATA continues to face significant challenges addressing safety, performance and management," said Congresswoman Edwards. "WMATA's board of directors determines the agency's policies and provides oversight for the funding, operation and expansion of transit facilities. Our bipartisan amendment is an important step forward to reforming the leadership and oversight of WMATA by giving the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) the authority to appoint the four federal members to the WMATA board. Currently, the General Services Administration (GSA) has had this sole authority. I thank Sen. Mikulski and Rep. Comstock for this bicameral and bipartisan effort to bring a much-needed overhaul to the selection process for WMATA's board that I am confident will help improve safety and reliability."

Congresswoman Comstock is the lead Republican on this bipartisan amendment that was sponsored by Congresswoman Donna Edwards (D-MD). The amendment will now be included in the surface transportation reauthorization, otherwise known as the Highway Bill, which is expected to pass the House this week.

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