Jerry Nadler: “this bill is a backdoor attempt to shut down Amtrak, to guarantee an Amtrak bankruptcy. We simply cannot allow it to…”

“this bill is a backdoor attempt to shut down Amtrak, to guarantee an Amtrak bankruptcy. We simply cannot allow it to happen. Amtrak is one of our most efficient modes of transportation. It provides a vital alternative to our clogged highways. We need to finally start investing adequate resources in Amtrak to allow the railroad to provide stable, reliable service. We spend approximately $50 billion a year on highways and aviation, but only about $1 billion on Amtrak. We hear that Amtrak funding should be cut because the railroad is not profitable or is inefficient or mismanaged. Amtrak has had its problems, but they are largely a result of being systematically underfunded for 30 years. Deliberately forcing Amtrak into bankruptcy, destroying it, should be unthinkable. We do not require highways or the air transport system to be self- sufficient or profitable. No transportation system is self-sufficient, and we should not require that of Amtrak either. It is an illusory goal. We should fund our transportation systems because they provide an important public service. They are critical to the economy and a vital part of national security. On September 11, 4 years ago, Amtrak was the only mode of transportation into and out of New York City. Redundancy in transportation is key for national security. This amendment will restore Amtrak funding to close to last year's level and will avert a shutdown of the railroad. It ought to be adopted.…”