Hotline #36-A - June 2, 1998

We reported on May 29 that the Senate Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee would meet today to approve a fiscal 1999 transportation funding bill. However, that meeting has been postponed until next week. The Subcommittee is chaired by Richard Shelby (R.-Ala.).

Because of Chairman Shelby's previous comments on Amtrak funding, there is great danger that he will give nothing at all to Amtrak for 1999. Please call your Senators right away -- especially if one of them is on the Subcommittee -- and tell them that:

1. Amtrak has funding needs in 1999 beyond the money approved in last year's Taxpayer Relief Act;
2. Amtrak needs the full $621 million request for capital;
3. The bill should clarify Amtrak's right to spend appropriated capital on maintenance, as is already the case for transit.

Two Senators are preparing a pro-Amtrak letter to send to Shelby -- everyone should ask his or her Senator to sign onto it. Republican Senators should contact the office of Senator Roth (Del.); Democrats should contact the office of Senator Kerry (Mass.).