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Amtrak budget proposal upsets left and right
WASHINGTON -- In a budget otherwise marked by fiscal austerity for everything but defense and security, President Bush had a generous about-face this year in his approach to at least one perennial money-losing program. And it has conservatives and liberals both hopping mad, according to this report by Brian McGuire published by the New York Sun.
Last year, fiscal conservatives praised Mr. Bush for proposing no direct subsidies for Amtrak. The passenger rail service had cost taxpayers more than $29 billion since its formation 36 years ago, and budget watchdogs were clamoring for tough measures. Mr. Bush gave them what they wanted, then turned around and signed a bill authorizing $1.3 billion in subsidies.
This year, Mr. Bush agreed to a subsidy upfront, offering to pay for $900 million of Amtrak's estimated $3.1 billion budget in fiscal 2007. Fiscal conservatives are decrying the offer as an inexcusable reversal from last year and citing it as fresh evidence the president is not serious about fiscal restraint.
UTU web site
WASHINGTON -- In a budget otherwise marked by fiscal austerity for everything but defense and security, President Bush had a generous about-face this year in his approach to at least one perennial money-losing program. And it has conservatives and liberals both hopping mad, according to this report by Brian McGuire published by the New York Sun.
Last year, fiscal conservatives praised Mr. Bush for proposing no direct subsidies for Amtrak. The passenger rail service had cost taxpayers more than $29 billion since its formation 36 years ago, and budget watchdogs were clamoring for tough measures. Mr. Bush gave them what they wanted, then turned around and signed a bill authorizing $1.3 billion in subsidies.
This year, Mr. Bush agreed to a subsidy upfront, offering to pay for $900 million of Amtrak's estimated $3.1 billion budget in fiscal 2007. Fiscal conservatives are decrying the offer as an inexcusable reversal from last year and citing it as fresh evidence the president is not serious about fiscal restraint.
UTU web site