Tom Latham: “A lot of these small communities just cannot afford the hundreds of thousands of dollars that it takes to do the studies…”

The amendment is very well intended, but I make a point of order. Mr. Chairman, the amendment proposes to amend portions of the bill not yet read. The amendment may not be considered en bloc under clause 2(f) of rule XXI because the…

I have to oppose the amendment. The fact of the matter is the bill provides $340 billion in operating grants to Amtrak, which will fully cover their operating losses. If in fact the amendment were put in place, there could very easily be…

I reserve a point of order on the gentleman's amendment. The Acting CHAIR. A point of order is reserved. The gentleman from California is recognized for 5 minutes.

I make a point of order against the amendment because it proposes to change existing law and constitutes legislation in an appropriation bill and, therefore, violates clause 2 of rule XXI. The rule states in pertinent part: ``An amendment…