Maryland Senate Moving Fast On Metro Safety Bill

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — The Maryland Senate is moving fast on a measure for a Metro safety program, after the federal government has threatened to withhold millions of dollars.

The Senate gave initial approval Tuesday to a bill for Maryland's commitment to oversee Metro safety. A vote is set for Wednesday.

Federal officials announced they would withhold funding from the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia until they create a new Metro safety commission.

The district already has approved a measure. The House in Virginia has passed the bill, which still needs Senate approval.

Federal officials said they would withhold about $8.9 million from the city and two states through April. That could grow to roughly $15 million through the end of fiscal year 2017, if the commission isn't created by then.

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