Save Our Trains Michigan
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Amtrak bill clears first hurdle WASHINGTON -- Amtrak legislation sponsored by U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg won unanimous approval from the Senate Commerce Committee on Wednesday, but is a long way from becoming law.
The $11.4 billion measure, sponsored by the New Jersey Democrat and Republican Sen. Trent Lott of Mississippi, would provide money to operate the railroad over six years and help states establish train service between selected cities.
The bill would also allow the federal government to issue $7.8 billion worth of bonds to improve Amtrak and help states seeking to increase passenger rail service.
That piece of the overall Amtrak bill has to win approval from the Senate Finance Committee before it can proceed.
"Our legislation will provide the necessary resources to bring Amtrak up to speed as a real alternative to taking a plane or driving a car," Lautenberg said in a statement.
"People in New Jersey rely on Amtrak and want to be sure that the system will be there for them in the future. With this plan, it will."
The Senate has to approve the Amtrak bill, then the House. Then President Bush would have to sign it into law. The Bush administration has proposed $800 million for Amtrak next year and $100 million for states seeking to boost intercity passenger rail.
(The preceding article by Raju Chebium was published April 26, 2007, by The Courier Post.)
April 26, 2007
