WASHINGTON — According to a wire service report, the Bush administration unexpectedly pulled out of a U.S. congressional hearing scheduled for Thursday at which lawmakers expected to hear Transportation Department plans for high-speed passenger rail service, including the future of financially-troubled Amtrak.
Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta told lawmakers the administration was not prepared to discuss its outlook for rail at the House of Representatives transportation subcommittee hearing.
“Unfortunately, after many meetings with the highest levels within the administration, our work is not yet complete,” Mineta wrote to the panel chaired by Rep. Jack Quinn, a New York Republican.
In an unusual request, Mineta asked the committee not compel Federal Railroad Administration chief Allan Rutter to testify. An FRA spokesman confirmed Rutter would not appear.
“I am highly disappointed by the sudden announcement today that administrator Rutter will not appear before the subcommittee hearing tomorrow,” said Rep. Bob Clement of Tennessee, the panel’s ranking Democrat.
Transportation sources have said debate within the administration on what to do about city-to-city rail service is heated. On Amtrak, the federally-subsidized national passenger service, some favor privatization while others support overhauling the system without breaking it up.
The White House has proposed $521 million in federal support for Amtrak in the next fiscal year, a sum Amtrak has said is inadequate to maintain basic service.
The railroad is seeking $1.2 billion in aid from Congress to keep current operations. Amtrak has threatened to cut some long haul routes at least unless Congress approves substantial assistance.
Lawmakers in both chambers are weighing several proposals on Amtrak’s future, including one supported strongly in the Senate that would provide $4.6 billion in aid for the railroad to meet major capital and other expenses.