(Source: Press release from the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, July 18, 2023)
WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. rail labor unions of the AFL-CIO’s Transportation Trades Department (TTD) unanimously announced their opposition to the proposed Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development (THUD) fiscal year 2024 spending bill, which faces a vote before the full House Appropriations Committee today:
“The entirety of rail labor stands together in opposition to proposed funding cuts that would devastate the U.S. passenger and freight rail networks.
“A $1 billion decrease in funding would devastate Amtrak’s existing operations and jeopardize more than 10,000 jobs. This yearly funding from the federal government is critical to the day-to-day operations of Amtrak, including rail service and basic maintenance. Yet, this bill would enact the lowest annual funding level that Amtrak has received in more than two decades and 64% less than the previous fiscal year.
“In addition, the bill strips $560 million from key programs that support states’ investments in rail projects. These cuts would prevent nationally significant projects like the new Gateway Tunnel from receiving the necessary federal funding to move forward in a timely manner.
“Altogether, these funding cuts would undermine the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s historic expansion of our national passenger rail network and result in the loss of good middle-class construction and maintenance sector jobs.
“Just as cities are making long overdue investments in public transportation systems and services, this bill would also rip away $2.2 billion in desperately-needed transit funding.
“Simply put, this is unacceptable. This legislation would reverse the strong progress we have made by investing in our rail, transit, and infrastructure systems.
“Rail labor asks Congress to stand with workers and communities by providing adequate funding that promotes reliable rail and transit service.”
Full story: www.ttd.org