Amtrak, highway and transit programs would take a big hit in the proposed FY 2012 Transportation-HUD spending bill released Wednesday by House appropriators.
Overall, the bill would provide $217 million less than current levels and $19.8 billion less than Obama requested.
While the Transportation Department would receive a modest increase in discretionary funds, Amtrak, highway and transit programs would face steep spending cuts.
“The GOP plan penalizes states that have made investments in passenger rail, some of which have contributed toward costs for nearly 40 years,” said Amtrak board chairman Tom Carper. “It kills an engine of local and regional economic growth much needed today, harms the future economic vitality of the nation and is unnecessary.”
Click here to read the release from Amtrak.
Click here to view a chart showing the proposed cuts in the legislation.
