House Votes for Major Amtrak Cuts

[marmar]

Statement of Richard Harnish, executive director of the Midwest High Speed Rail Association (MHSRA), in response to the House’s legislation, passed on June 9, which would cut $242 million from Amtrak’s budget. The House supported the cuts by a narrow 216-210 margin.

“The House of Representatives’ decision to cut $242 million of Amtrak funding is counterproductive. This action is not inline with our country’s transportations needs.”

“The Senate can still prevent these cuts from moving forward. It’s critical the Senate stand up for millions of Americans who depend on the service by not letting these cuts pass.”

“Congress has consistently held our country back by failing to invest in modern transportation infrastructure. Our economy is less competitive because of members of Congress who want to cut, not grow, our nation’s passenger trains.” ..............(more)

http://www.masstransitmag.com/press_release/12082544/house-votes-for-major-amtrak-cuts

[underpants]

1. Party of the South

It don't help them so who cares. Lots of military bases in the South - because, the Spanish Armada- so living off the military teat is just fine.

[HassleCat]

2. Rail was king, once

A hundred years ago or so, maybe 150 years, railroads got anything they wanted. Free land, incredible subsidies, etc. Here's an example. Oregon passed a law stating it was not a crime to shoot a Chinese person. This was because the railroads employed Chinese men, then refused to pay them. If the workers demanded to be paid, the railroad simply sent one of it goons to kill a couple of them. Those days are gone. Now we spend all our tax dollars on highways and air travel. I'm not sure why Republicans think it's OK to pour money into roads and planes, but no good to have government run rail service.