[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 23 (Thursday, March 3, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E366]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E366]]
                 ADMINISTRATION'S BUDGET CUTS TO AMTRAK

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. NICK J. RAHALL II

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 3, 2005

  Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I wish to discuss the Administration's 
proposed budget cuts to Amtrak.
  I want to be clear from the very beginning: if the Administration's 
proposed cuts go into effect, Amtrak will not survive. And, in many 
cases, the millions of people who depend on Amtrak's services will be 
left with no reliable means of rail transportation. This would result 
in a serious problem for rail passengers, and represents a tremendous 
misjudgment by this Administration.
  The Administration has made clear its position on Amtrak. The result 
of their cuts to Amtrak would ``lead to the elimination of 
operations.'' I am concerned that the ``elimination of operations'' 
would result in a significant hardship for the people of southern West 
Virginia, and Amtrak riders everywhere.
  Practically speaking, the millions of passengers who depend on 
Amtrak's services would be stranded. Those who can afford a car or 
plane ticket would descend on our already heavily congested roads and 
airports. Those without the means to purchase an airline ticket or pay 
for the ever-increasing price of gasoline--and those in rural 
communities without direct access to airline or highway travel--would 
be left twisting in the wind.
  In West Virginia alone, Amtrak served nearly 51,000 passengers in 
2004. Two of the largest cities in the 3rd Congressional District, 
Huntington and Hinton, represent nearly half that total with nearly 
24,000 riders. In addition, Amtrak pumped $3.7 million into the state's 
economy--which helped foster job creation and economic development 
opportunities for West Virginians. The economic impact of Amtrak on my 
state, and states throughout the country, cannot be overlooked.
  Importantly, Amtrak is making great strides to improve itself from 
within. Capital investment is up substantially; a new and detailed 
five-year plan has been developed; unprofitable services have been 
eliminated; and significant overhauls and needed maintenance operations 
have been undertaken. And Amtrak's ridership has, and continues to, 
increase.
  I urge this House, this Congress and this Administration to recognize 
the improvements Amtrak is making, the need Amtrak fills for millions 
of Americans and the importance of Amtrak on America's transportation 
infrastructure.

                          ____________________