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 Virginia House and Senate have passed versions of the bill, but additional votes are needed.
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.