(Hearst News Service circulated the following article on May 22.)
WASHINGTON — Some Democratic and Republican House members have formed a special group to lobby for continued federal support of Amtrak.
Organizers of the new Rail Passenger Caucus say the federal government needs to provide funds to keep Amtrak running and to invest in its neglected infrastructure and equipment.
“We hope to be the catalyst that will perhaps allow solutions instead of just a lot of proposals,” said Rep. Michael Castle, R-Del.
The government has provided $29 billion in subsidies since 1971. Congress approved $1.2 billion to keep Amtrak running in 2005.
The rail company is asking the federal government for $1.8 billion in fiscal 2006. Instead, the Bush administration’s 2006 budget request eliminates all money for Amtrak, except for $360 million to help commuter rail systems maintain access to tracks.