Congressman says DC subway system won't get federal bailout

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Washington area's struggling subway system won't get a federal bailout, House Republicans said Thursday as they blamed the Metro system's recent series of crises on poor management rather than a lack of funding.

Last month, Metro's general manager made the unprecedented decision to shut down the system for an entire day for emergency inspections of third-rail power cables.

The shutdown followed two fires that were sparked by faulty power cables, including one in January 2015 that killed one passenger and sickened more than 80 others.

Mica and Rep. Mark Meadows, a North Carolina Republican and the other subcommittee chairman, had an angry exchange with Metro board chairman Jack Evans after Evans said the federal government should contribute $300 million a year to the system's operating budget.

After the hearing, Meadows said he would not rule out trying to secure more federal funding for Metro if management first showed it was up to the task of making the system safe and reliable.

Rep. Gerry Connolly, a Virginia Democrat, said it was a "myth" that Metro was sitting on more than $700 million, pointing out that the money was designated for specific expenses, such as the purchase of new rail cars.

Metro's general manager, Paul Wiedefeld, who took over in November, said in written testimony that he's found "systemic issues with regard to track, power and car maintenance," and he said he would submit a new maintenance plan to the public in 4 to 6 weeks.