Durbin Statement Regarding Proposed Cut to Amtrak Funding

DURBIN STATEMENT REGARDING PROPOSED CUT TO AMTRAK FUNDING

- U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) made the following statement regarding a vote in the House of Representatives last night to cut Amtrak federal funding by a third:

"In the same month that the State of Illinois doubled their funding commitment for Amtrak, the U.S. House of Representatives proposed to cut federal funding by more than a third. The measure approved by the House panel last night matches President Bush's inadequate $900 million request for Amtrak- $700 million short of what Amtrak needs to maintain routes and services."

"With the state's plans to provide additional service on all three of Illinois' intrastate routes, full funding of Amtrak has never been more important. If Congress and the President under-fund Amtrak, money the state intends to use for improvements in service and expansion will go towards maintaining current service and compensating for the lack of adequate federal funds."

"Last year, Amtrak service in Illinois saw a major increase in ridership. This year, the state recognized the need for expansion and responded by offering to work with Amtrak to increase service to nearly 30 communities. The State's commitment will provide for the first Midwest Amtrak expansion in almost 20 years and has even prompted proposals to reinstate service in large metropolitan areas, such as Rockford, IL. If the House and the President's proposals are adopted, Illinois' Amtrak expansion will be stopped dead in its tracks."

"This Memorial Day weekend, with families across Illinois paying almost $3 dollar a gallon to travel, Congress needs to remember downsizing Amtrak means more traffic congestion, more pollution and fewer affordable travel choices for America's families."

http://durbin.senate.gov/record.cfm?id=256256&&