[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 170 (Monday, December 10, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S12769]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 AMTRAK AMENDMENT ON DOD APPROPRIATIONS

  Mr. McCAIN. Madam President, late Friday night the Senate agreed to 
an amendment to the Department of Defense appropriations bill related 
to Amtrak. The amendment bars the use of Federal funds or revenues 
generated by Amtrak for preparation by Amtrak of a liquidation plan, 
until Congress has reauthorized Amtrak. This amendment does not, 
however, affect in any way the obligation of the Amtrak Reform Council 
to prepare and submit to Congress a plan to restructure Amtrak. Nor 
does it affect in any way the existing law with respect to 
Congressional review of the restructuring plan, and the requirement, if 
a restructuring proposal is not approved, for Congressional 
consideration of a liquidation disapproval resolution. Given Amtrak's 
dire financial situation, as identified by the ARC, the GAO, and the 
DOT Inspector General, Congress must take action early next session to 
provide for a restructured and rationalized passenger rail system.

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