CLEVELAND, June 20 — By next Tuesday or Wednesday, June 25 or 26, Amtrak could be completely shut down, with bankruptcy filings scheduled for Thursday, June 27. This is the message that has come from a conference call today with Amtrak CEO David Gunn, who stated that the Bush Administration is taking an adverse position on the funding of Amtrak, which, if successful, would shut down the entire Amtrak system by the middle of next week.
It is extremely important that BLE members contact the White House and express their strong feelings that the Administration should support long-term funding for Amtrak and the immediate $265 million loan guarantee that is needed to keep the trains running beyond next week.
The telephone number for the White House switchboard is (202) 456-1414. Ask for either Nick Callio, Andrew Card or Josh Bolten when you call. If you receive a voice mail, leave a message expressing your support for Amtrak, its 23,000 employees and their families — who would be severely affected by the Administration’s position on Amtrak.
In addition to calling the White House, all BLE members should call the offices of their two Senators. If you do not know the telephone number of your Senators’ offices, call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121. The operator can direct your call to your Senator’s office. The message to your Senators should be to oppose the Bush Administration’s position on Amtrak funding and to support the immediate $265 million loan guarantee and the long-term funding of Amtrak.
This is extremely critical! Do not let the Bush Administration destroy our rail passenger system and destroy the livelihoods of 23,000 employees. If we do not express our views on this matter to those who have the authority to take action, then we will see our rail passenger system in bankruptcy and all Amtrak employees without jobs.