‘President’ Romney Would End Amtrak Funding
August 23, 2012
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Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney said in a recent interview that he would eliminate federal funding for Amtrak if he is elected in November. In an interview with CNN’s Fortune Magazine, the presumptive GOP nominee identified the national passenger rail service as a program that would be on the chopping block in a Romney administration.
“The stakes have never been higher for Amtrak workers in this election,” said TCU President Bob Scardelletti. “Romney’s message is crystal clear, he wants to end Amtrak.”
Meanwhile, Republicans on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee are considering a bill (H.R. 3362), sponsored by Rep. Jean Schmidt (R-OH) that would require Amtrak to outsource onboard concession services. The measure has been dubbed the “Amtrak Food and Beverage Service Savings Act” and could result in significant layoffs for veteran Amtrak workers.
