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!
"On behalf of Amtrak’s onboard service staff, I want to thank the Rail Passengers Association for honoring their hard work with this award. The past couple years have indeed been difficult for Amtrak onboard service staff – coping with furloughs and job insecurity, adapting to changing protocols and services, not to mention the unfortunate events such as a tragic derailment and a fatal shooting. Nevertheless, our dedicated members at Amtrak have handled these hurdles with the care, attention and diligence for which they’re known. We thank Rail Passengers for their acknowledgement of our members’ hard work and, as always, look forward to seeing you on the rails."
Arthur Maratea, TCU/IAM National President
December 21, 2021, on the Association awarding its 2021 Golden Spike Award to the Frontline Amtrak Employees.
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