[20200330]IN11293_《关怀法案》（P.L116-136).pdf

CRS INSIGHT Prepared for Members and Committees of Congress INSIGHTINSIGHTi i Public Transportation and Amtrak Funding in the CARES Act (P.L. 116-136) William J. Mallett Specialist in Transportation Policy Ben Goldman Analyst in Transportation Policy March 30, 2020 On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) Act (P.L. 116-136) was signed into law. Included in the act is a $25 billion appropriation from the general fund of the U.S. Treasury for public transportation agencies and another $1 billion for Amtrak. This emergency funding would support agencies in the midst of an unprecedented decline in ridership due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, the Washington Area Metropolitan Transit Authority has reported that in late March 2020 its rail ridership is down about 90% on a daily basis compared with equivalent days a year earlier, and bus ridership is down about 70%. Amtraks ridership is down about 90%. Public Transportation Funding The CARES Act directs the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to distribute the funds for transit agencies within seven days after enactment according to five existing formulas. After administrative deductions, t