[Congressional Record: June 21, 2002 (House)]
[Page H3778]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:cr21jn02-55]
THE ADMINISTRATION'S APPALLING PLAN TO DISMEMBER AMTRAK
(Mr. BLUMENAUER asked and was given permission to address the House
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, it was appalling yesterday to have the
administration finally come forward with its plan for Amtrak. It is
appalling that when the administration finally comes forward with its
plan for Amtrak, it is basically to dismember the system, arguing
somehow that Amtrak should be self-supporting.
When this Congress and administration gave $5 billion to the airline
industry, on top of the $11 billion for air traffic control, for an
industry that has never shown a profit over its 75 years is a little
bit disingenuous, to say the least.
Amtrak plays a critical role in our transportation system. To
dismember it now, to privatize a few profitable lines and then walk
away from our commitment when we have never, never provided the money
that was authorized originally, would be a sad day.
Luckily, there is broad bipartisan support in this Congress. Over 162
Members support the approach of the gentleman from New York (Chairman
Quinn) and the ranking member, the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr.
Clements), to fund it for this year. A majority of the Senate agrees.
Hopefully, we will be able to step up where the administration is
failing in nerve.
