Political Quotes

“My amendment would increase the appropriations for Amtrak's capital and debt service grants by $600 million and increase the spending reduction amount by the same amount. It would have the effect of entirely defunding this account. Amtrak was created by Congress in 1970 to provide nationwide passenger rail service. It currently operates more than 40 routes across the United States. Unfortunately, the majority of these routes operate at a huge loss to taxpayers. The committee report for the underlying bill details just how big that loss is. In fiscal year 2011, Amtrak's long-distance routes ran a deficit of $554 million. By next year, that amount is projected to grow to $610 million in losses. Mr. Chairman, the committee also takes note of Amtrak's troubled food and beverage service, which has lost a total of $313 million just over the last 3 years. This year alone, Amtrak is projected to lose nearly $75 million on its food and beverage service, reflecting just a return of only 64 percent on its expenses. Despite these losses, Amtrak pays the attendants who serve on board food and beverages between $24 and $27 per hour. The committee itself points out that this wage is more than 20 percent higher than that of flight attendants, and these employees' current labor agreement calls for another 3 percent increase each year for the next 2 years. Mr.…”