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IAM Rail Division members in upstate New York joined allies to call on the Republican-controlled House to end its attack on Amtrak funding. The proposed GOP budget would cut Amtrak funding by 64%, or about $876 million, and furlough 10,000 Amtrak workers.
IAM District 19 General Chair Danny Tavares led the IAM’s delegation to the rally, which was put on by the Empire State Passenger Association. The Hudson, N.Y. rally included federal, state and local elected officials, including New York State Assembly member Didi Barrett (pictured with Tavares).
The proposed funding levels from House Republican lawmakers would be completely devastating to railroad workers, rail safety, and railroad retirees. The bills propose to gut Amtrak and transit agencies, as well as the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB), among others.
As of now, the Senate Appropriations Committee has not recommended large cuts to Amtrak funding in FY 2024.
“Elections have consequences, and House Republicans are showing us exactly what they think of our nation’s rail workers,” said Josh Hartford, IAM Special Assistant to the International President for the IAM Rail Division. “The IAM Rail Division is determined to beat back these draconian cuts to our nation’s rail system, its workers and passengers.”
TAKE ACTION: Please call your Senators and House Representative today at 202-224-3121 and tell them to oppose any cuts to our nation’s railroads.
