Nick Rahall: “I want to thank my fellow cosponsors-- Ranking Member Brown, Congressmen Menendez and Cummings--for bringing this issue…”

“I want to thank my fellow cosponsors-- Ranking Member Brown, Congressmen Menendez and Cummings--for bringing this issue before the House. Today represents another attempt to derail Amtrak and the essential transportation services it provides to millions of Americans, particularly rural Americans, across the country. The 18 routes the Appropriations Committee has proposed to eliminate would leave nearly 4\1/2\ million Americans stranded without needed rail service in 23 States, including my home State of West Virginia. Unilaterally eliminating these routes is not prudent, and would deal a significant blow to our rural communities. I urge my colleagues to support the Brown-Menendez-Rahall-Cummings Amendment that would save rail service to rural America. A vote in favor of our amendment is not a vote just in support of Amtrak, it is a vote for the millions of Americans who depend on rail service to meet their transportation needs. The CHAIRMAN. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Corrine Brown). The question was taken; and the Chairman announced that the noes appeared to have it.”