Happening Now
Ask Senators to Support Two Important Transportation Bills
June 25, 2015
The Senate moved two critical transportation bills today, and we need America’s passengers to rally support for Congressional leaders who are working to strengthen investment in Amtrak.
The Senate Commerce Committee unanimously passed an exciting passenger rail authorization bill—the multiyear framework that provides the structure for Amtrak's existence and intercity rail investment. You can read about what this bill would mean for a strong national network on the NARP Blog.
Meanwhile, the Senate Appropriations Committee passed a $55.7 billion FY2016 Transportation & Housing Appropriations bill, which provides the yearly operating and capital budgets for Amtrak, transit, highway, and air transportation. That bill is a big improvement over the House Appropriations Committee’s efforts to slash Amtrak funding by $262 million—but we can make it better! The Appropriations Committee voted down an amendment offered by Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) to increase funding to match Amtrak's F Y2016 budget request of $2 billion.
Write your Senators now to ask them to support this sensible plan for supporting America's national network!
"When [NARP] comes to Washington, you help embolden us in our efforts to continue the progress for passenger rail. And not just on the Northeast Corridor. All over America! High-speed rail, passenger rail is coming to America, thanks to a lot of your efforts! We’re partners in this. ... You are the ones that are going to make this happen. Do not be dissuaded by the naysayers. There are thousands of people all over America who are for passenger rail and you represent the best of what America is about!"
Secretary Ray LaHood, U.S. Department of Transportation
2012 NARP Spring Council Meeting
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