Senate Slashes $140 Million Silicon Valley Subway Earmark from COVID-19 Relief Bill

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senate Banking Committee Ranking Member Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) today announced 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 Ranking Member 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.”

U.S. Senate Banking Committee Republicans first uncovered the $140 million earmark last month.

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