Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, I very strongly oppose this amendment which, like the gentleman's previous amendment, would essentially end passenger rail service in this country. It is just that drastic. It is also targeting passenger rail in a way that obscures the fact that every mode of transportation in this country is subsidized. It is in the public interest to maintain diverse modes of transportation that serve our various transportation needs and our various population centers. Amtrak provides an invaluable service to this country: 500 destinations in 46 States, connecting small communities that don't have access to air service. Amtrak is popular with the American people. It is increasingly being taken advantage of. In the last 11 years, 10 consecutive years of record ridership, serving nearly 32 million passengers last year. Without Amtrak's service in the Northeast corridor, where would we be? There would be virtual gridlock in New York's airports, but it is not just the Northeast corridor. I come from a State that had the insight years ago to invest in State Amtrak service, and now Amtrak is the preferred mode of transportation for thousands of people between Raleigh and Charlotte, with three full routes a day in each direction. This is an irresponsible amendment. It will eliminate thousands of jobs. It will harm local economies. And it will violate labor agreements. There is so much wrong with this. I urge its rejection and yield back the balance of my time.”