Letter To House Appropriations Chairman Bill Young

To House Appropriations Chairman Bill Young

July 17, 2003

The Honorable C. W. “Bill” Young, Chairman
Committee on Appropriations
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Mr. Chairman:

Our Association strongly supports Amtrak’s request for $1.8 billion in FY 2004. We are shocked and outraged at the July 11 action of the subcommittee, cutting David Gunn’s tight budget from $1.8 billion to $580 million, and claiming that it “provides for continuing Amtrak operations.” All the evidence before the subcommittee indicates that even a repeat of this year’s $1.05 billion would cause a shutdown which will cost the government more, and create a much bigger burden than what is in the bill.

Gunn’s budget reflects closure of one of Amtrak’s three call reservations centers and elimination of under-performing routes. Also, his analysis of the multi-year cost of bringing Northeast Corridor infrastructure to a state of good repair is $1 billion less than his predecessor’s. In general, he has brought credibility and efficiency to Amtrak, as well as a plan to stabilize the company.
A majority of House members—219—signed the Quinn/Oberstar letter supporting Amtrak’s $1.8 billion request. Authorizing committees in both the House and the Senate have reported authorization levels of $2 billion per year.
As George Will wrote in his June 4 column, “A nationwide poll shows 71 percent public support for subsidizing Amtrak at current or increased levels. Support for Amtrak is strong among all regions, ages, education levels and income groups.” He evidently was referring to a Washington Post poll taken July 26-30, 2002. Almost identical results were in a CNN/Gallup/USA Today poll conducted June 21-23, 2002.

We believe the committee has a responsibility to see that the U.S. has balanced transportation which maintains the rail choice. We would be happy to provide further information, or be helpful in any other way to the subcommittee and/or individual members’ offices.

Sincerely,

Ross B. Capon
Executive Director

cc:  The Honorable David Obey