Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Pat Toomey
(R-Pa.) announced tonight that the Senate Parliamentarian ruled that an earmark
in the House COVID-19 relief bill violated the Byrd Rule and could be removed
from the bill. That earmark would provide approximately $140 million in funding to expand an underground rail project in
Silicon Valley.
“Expanding Silicon Valley’s subway has nothing to do with COVID-19
relief and should not have been included in the House bill,” said Senator
Toomey. “While I am pleased the Senate Parliamentarian agreed with us that
this earmark is impermissible, this bill remains a partisan, liberal grab bag
masquerading as a COVID relief bill. Congress’ priority should be supporting
the vaccine rollout process, facilitating the safe reopening of small businesses,
and getting kids back in the classroom – all of which are essential if we are
to restore our economy to pre-pandemic levels.”
Republicans on the Senate Banking Committee, of which Senator
Toomey is the ranking member, first
uncovered the $140 million earmark last month.
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