Political Quotes

“I feel that it is appropriate for me to rise at this time to express my concern about funding for Amtrak. It is my understanding that this bill includes $542 million for fiscal year 1997. This is well below the $922 million assumed for Amtrak in the 1997 Republican budget resolution. Amtrak is our national passenger railroad. It has been in existence for more than a quarter of a century, built on a commitment by Congress. Amtrak is a cross-country passenger system that services the commuter and travel needs of Americans. This passenger railroad relieves congested highways while reducing pollution. This intercity railroad is a necessary component of a balanced transportation system. Amtrak will not be able to continue its present level of service under the funding levels in this appropriations bill. The railroad would be forced to discontinue a number of routes and many workers would lose their jobs. Amtrak employs more than 25,000 people. The taxes on the salaries of these workers and on sales of supplies to Amtrak exceed congressional funding. Drastic cuts in Federal funding of Amtrak will result in the decline and the eventual elimination of this railroad system. Amtrak meets the transportation needs of many small communities that are poorly served by buses and air services. Trains are an important travel option for senior citizens, the disabled, and for persons with medical conditions that prevent them from flying.”