"Any potential expansion of Amtrak's system must allow for freight railroads to provide input on capacity and track sharing issues."
"Amtrak predicts it will lose roughly $1 billion per year, with those losses largely covered by the taxpayers."
"I am recommending suggesting that Amtrak should not be allowed any more CRISI grant funding over the next 5 years."
"I find it kind of disturbing in many ways that this is public transportation, billions of dollars going to it."
"I think transparency is so important."
"I think the American people have a right to know."
"I appreciate that you are constantly evaluating new routes and new service options for Amtrak and for your riders."
"Today's hearing examines the current and future state of Amtrak."
"Without significant taxpayer support, we all know that Amtrak could not operate."
"Since its creation in 1971, Amtrak has never made a profit."
"Amtrak predicts it will lose roughly $1 billion, with a 'B,' per year."
"Amtrak's losses arise mostly entirely from its national network and long-distance routes."