The Senate Transportation/Treasury Appropriations Subcommittee today approved a fiscal 2004 funding bill. It provides Amtrak with $1.346 billion, while also deferring payment in 2004 of the $100 million loan from DOT (from 2002). Counting that deferral, that is a $366 million shortfall from Amtrak's request for 2004 ($1.812 billion, of which $100 million was meant to repay the loan).
Our deep appreciation goes to Subcommittee Ranking Member Patty Murray (D.-Wash.), who worked very hard to get the Amtrak number up as high as it is. The full committee may act tomorrow, September 4.