Congress Should Sustain Passenger Rail Service

Our country is on the verge of losing its national passenger rail system. While the rest of the world is advancing high-speed rail, the Bush administration is recommending zero funding for Amtrak in 2006. The House is recommending $550 million, a 54 percent cut in funding, while highway spending would rise by 6.4 percent and aviation by 5.4 percent. In 2004, highways received $34 billion and aviation $13 billion.

Reliable polls have consistently shown that 70 percent of Americans support an improved and expanded national network of passenger trains. The Amtrak board of directors, consisting of four Bush appointees, has recommended a budget of $1.82 billion for Amtrak for the coming fiscal year. Congress ought to pay attention to this recommendation.

Robert Lenz

Clarence