Joseph T. Burns: “Just a few weeks ago, the Senate passed the Transportation appropriations bill, which included $1.45 billion in Amtrak…”

“Just a few weeks ago, the Senate passed the Transportation appropriations bill, which included $1.45 billion in Amtrak funding. This amendment today represents the next step in continuing the fight to reform Amtrak in a way that preserves passenger rail as a necessary component in our Nation's transportation system. The Empire Builder, which runs through Montana, serves an important public need, and I appreciate the work of Senators Lott, Inouye, and Lautenberg on developing this reauthorization bill. This bill provides needed reforms to help Amtrak operate more efficiently but does so in a way that enhances, rather than harms, existing service. Amtrak is a key component of Montana's infrastructure, and folks feel pretty strongly about keeping the Empire Builder operational. Conservative estimates indicate that the Empire Builder brings roughly $13 million annually into Montana. Recently, Amtrak announced record ridership numbers for the past fiscal year--a trend we saw in Montana as well. Given the high fuel prices folks are facing these days, preserving alternate forms of transportation is even more critical. Amtrak continues to have widespread support throughout the country, and Congress needs to ensure that Amtrak remains a part of our Nation's infrastructure. Part of Congress's duty is to make sure that Amtrak is responsible with the Federal dollars it receives.…”