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WASHINGTON (AP) — Supporters of the troubled Amtrak passenger railroad Tuesday pressed to add back about half of a proposed cut in its federal subsidy as the House debated a $140 billion measure funding transportation programs.
Supporters were confident that the House would approve an additional $214 million for Amtrak to bring its subsidy to about $1.1 billion for the budget year beginning Oct. 1. Amtrak received a $1.3 billion subsidy this year after a lengthy battle between supporters of the railroad and those demanding it close money-losing routes.
Rep. Steve LaTourette, R-Ohio, sponsored the Amtrak budget boost but said it would still be insufficient to prevent Amtrak from falling into bankruptcy. But he was unable to locate sufficient budget cuts elsewhere in the bill to boost Amtrak's budget higher. LaTourette said he was confident the Senate would add even more money later this year.
"It pushes the ball down the field," said Amtrak supporter John Sweeney, R-N.Y. "In the (House-Senate) conference committee we will do better."
Amtrak runs trains through almost every state, which gives it great support among lawmakers despite criticism from the Bush administration and some lawmakers for excessive subsidies on its cross-country trains, high labor costs and questionable management practices.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Supporters of the troubled Amtrak passenger railroad Tuesday pressed to add back about half of a proposed cut in its federal subsidy as the House debated a $140 billion measure funding transportation programs.
Supporters were confident that the House would approve an additional $214 million for Amtrak to bring its subsidy to about $1.1 billion for the budget year beginning Oct. 1. Amtrak received a $1.3 billion subsidy this year after a lengthy battle between supporters of the railroad and those demanding it close money-losing routes.
Rep. Steve LaTourette, R-Ohio, sponsored the Amtrak budget boost but said it would still be insufficient to prevent Amtrak from falling into bankruptcy. But he was unable to locate sufficient budget cuts elsewhere in the bill to boost Amtrak's budget higher. LaTourette said he was confident the Senate would add even more money later this year.
"It pushes the ball down the field," said Amtrak supporter John Sweeney, R-N.Y. "In the (House-Senate) conference committee we will do better."
Amtrak runs trains through almost every state, which gives it great support among lawmakers despite criticism from the Bush administration and some lawmakers for excessive subsidies on its cross-country trains, high labor costs and questionable management practices.
