Watch Now: U.S. Reps Testify About Stim Package

Check out C-SPAN’s streaming video of the House Rules Committee for a glimpse of our federal elected officials in action. The big coming attraction for Streetsbloggers is Jerrold Nadler’s amendment to boost investment in transit. As we go to press, Nadler is set to testify any minute.

Rumor has it, the amendment has the backing of House leadership. If it clears the Rules Committee, it could go before the full House as soon as tomorrow.

Update: Nadler and Oregon Rep. Peter DeFazio have delivered their testimony for the Nadler amendment. Rules Chair Louise Slaughter and committee members Matsui, McGovern, and Diaz-Balart responded very favorably. They’ll be hearing about a few more amendments before holding any vote.

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