Happening Now
U.S. House Overwhelmingly Defeats Amtrak-Killing Amendment
March 4, 2015
Release #15-03
For Immediate Release (#15-03)
March 4, 2015
Contact: Sean Jeans-Gail - 202-408-8362
U.S. House Overwhelmingly Defeats Amtrak-Killing Amendment
Washington, D.C.—The National Association of Railroad Passengers applauds the U.S. House of Representatives for its overwhelming defeat of an Amtrak-killing amendment to the Passenger Rail Reform and Investment Act (H.R. 749). The amendment to eliminate all authorized Amtrak funding, introduced by Rep. Tom McClintock (R-CA), failed by a vote of 147-272.
“The overwhelming bipartisan support shown in fighting back this ill-considered amendment demonstrates broad support for a national rail network—among both politicians and the public. Thousands of passengers rallied in support of Amtrak, with phone calls, emails and visits, and Congress listened,” said NARP President Jim Mathews. “As the Senate takes up the bill, NARP will continue to work with coalition partners and likeminded allies to help craft a truly transformational piece of legislation to bring frequent, reliable, and safe rail service to all Americans. Investing in a modern transportation infrastructure that improves safety, reliability and efficiency of all modes is the only way to get America’s economy moving at full-speed again.”
About the National Association of Railroad Passengers
NARP is the only national organization speaking for the users of passenger trains and rail transit. We have worked since 1967 to expand the quality and quantity of passenger rail in the U.S. Our mission is to work towards a modern, customer-focused national passenger train network that provides a travel choice Americans want. Our work is supported by more 28,000 individual members nationwide.
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"On behalf of Amtrak’s onboard service staff, I want to thank the Rail Passengers Association for honoring their hard work with this award. The past couple years have indeed been difficult for Amtrak onboard service staff – coping with furloughs and job insecurity, adapting to changing protocols and services, not to mention the unfortunate events such as a tragic derailment and a fatal shooting. Nevertheless, our dedicated members at Amtrak have handled these hurdles with the care, attention and diligence for which they’re known. We thank Rail Passengers for their acknowledgement of our members’ hard work and, as always, look forward to seeing you on the rails."
Arthur Maratea, TCU/IAM National President
December 21, 2021, on the Association awarding its 2021 Golden Spike Award to the Frontline Amtrak Employees.
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