(The Associated Press circulated the following article by Devlin Barrett on June 14.)
WASHINGTON — A House panel will offer $550 million to keep Amtrak up and running next year, and New York lines will not be among those singled out by lawmakers to receive no federal money, sources said Tuesday.
The funding amount was set to be announced Wednesday at a House Appropriations Subcommittee hearing on the budget for fiscal year 2006.
The White House has proposed ending Amtrak’s operating subsidy, which this year was $1.2 billion.
The response from House Republicans will be an offer of $550 million, with specific directions to Amtrak that the funds not be used to support certain lines. Those lines barred from funding do not include those in New York, according to a committee source who didn’t want to pre-empt Wednesday’s hearing and spoke on condition of anonymity.
Asked about Amtrak spending, Rep. John Sweeney, a member of the subcommittee, said he thought the bill “is going to be wholly inadequate to getting us where we want to be, but it is a step in the process getting us there.”
Sweeney, R-Clifton Park, said the House is trying to protect “the most vital of lines” like those in New York while still pushing for reform of the entire passenger rail system.
Amtrak’s supporters charge the Bush administration’s plan of deep cuts would effectively kill national service, and said since the government already pays billions for highway and air transportation, it should pay something for rail transit, which eases congestion on roads.
Amtrak has requested $1.82 billion in funding for the year. To cut costs, the company recently announced it will end food service on trains that run only between Albany and New York City, saying there was little demand for snacks on those relatively short runs.
In May, Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta urged Amtrak to immediately cut costs.