Durbin Statement Regarding Amtrak

DURBIN STATEMENT REGARDING AMTRAK

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) made the following statement today regarding Amtrak's testimony before the Senate Appropriations Committee regarding its Fiscal Year 2006 funding request:

"In February, President Bush released a budget that didn't include one dime in federal funding for Amtrak service in Illinois and a bizarre funding scheme that helps only a few select routes in the system. Under the President's plan, the three million passengers a year who rely on Amtrak in my home state would be out of luck, and 2,000 Illinoisans would be out of a job."

"But the President doesn't stop with eliminating Amtrak's funding; his Administration takes it a step further - privatization. It's the most popular word at the White House - first privatization of Social Security, now Amtrak. Where will it end?"

"It is time for the Bush Administration to realize that if federal support is important enough for our nation's highways and airports, then an investment in passenger rail should be a priority. And we shouldn't depend on cash-strapped states like Illinois to pick up more of the burden. Illinois contributes about $12 million annually to Amtrak - about 90 percent of the operating costs for three intrastate routes - and more than $70 million over the last decade, in addition to a quarter of the costs of the Chicago-Milwaukee corridor. The State of Illinois, despite a significant budget deficit, is willing to pay its fair share, but also would like some assurance and predictability that the railroad will be around after the check has been cashed."

"This game is getting old. Every year the President drives Amtrak to the brink of insolvency by proposing an inadequate budget for the railroad and Congress is forced to ride to the rescue. It's time for the Administration to show leadership on this issue and work with Congress to enact constructive reforms while ensuring the long-term viability of our nation's only intercity passenger railroad."

"I stand ready to help resolve this issue, but I believe the Administration has to meet us at least half way. Forcing a stand off with Amtrak or Congress is just not the most productive solution to this perennial problem. I will work with my colleagues in the Senate to shore up Amtrak and help provide the rail system so many Americans have come to rely on with the funding and the direction it needs."

http://durbin.senate.gov/record.cfm?id=237572&&