WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) introduced the Public Transportation Expansion Act alongside Congresswoman Carolyn Bourdeaux (GA-07), Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04), and Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04). The House bill is companion legislation to the Senate bill being introduced by U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) and Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-NV). The legislation would for the first time fund construction of public transportation specifically connecting affordable housing with transit networks in order to serve riders and commuters in low-income communities.

“Connected communities are thriving communities,” said Congresswoman Williams, who is also a member of the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee. “For too long, Black, Brown, and low-income communities have been left behind in transit expansion. I’m fighting for these historic, intentional investments because it’s more than a bus route or train. This legislation is a direct line to economic opportunity for everyone, no matter your ZIP Code or your bank account.”

“Inadequate public transportation hurts communities and hurts our economy,” said Congresswoman Bourdeaux. “As our cities grow and congestion increases, it is more critical than ever to have public transportation alternatives that work for everyone. I am proud to join Senator Ossoff in introducing this legislation. Strengthening our economy, addressing climate change, and futurefitting our communities depend on making historic investments like this in our nation’s transit infrastructure.”

“When we understand that mobility is essential to freedom – to control your own destiny – we understand that investing in transit in places that have historically been underserved is an investment in people,” said Congressman Johnson. “I’m pleased to introduce the companion legislation of the Public Transportation Expansion Act in the U.S. House of Representatives to invest in a new, one-of-a-kind program that will connect affordable housing with transit options so people can access health care, education and employment opportunities. I thank Sens. Ossoff, Warnock and Cortez-Masto and Reps. Garcia, Williams and Bourdeaux for their leadership in understanding mobility is essential for opportunity, health, and quality of life for all our constituents.”

“Diverse, working class communities like those I represent on the Southwest and Northwest sides of Chicago, need bold investments in equitable transit-oriented development (eTOD) to connect people via public transit to affordable housing, jobs, and other essential services like health care and school,” said Congressman García. “We must bring America’s transportation and housing infrastructure into the 21st century to break down the physical barriers separating affordable housing options from good paying jobs, and undo decades of disinvestment in communities of color. Our legislation is a crucial first step.”

Contact: PressGA05@mail.house.gov

###