The House Appropriations Committee announced on Wednesday that the fiscal year 2021 transportation bill would include $10 billion for Amtrak.
The measure, approved by a vote of 30 to 22, would provide $2 billion through the standard budgeting process, $3 billion for the National Network, and $5 billion for the Northeast Corridor as part of an economic stimulus bill.
However, the bill strictly prohibits Amtrak from reducing any service frequency.
“Since Amtrak released its service change proposals in its FY2021 supplemental request, our Association has been clear that while we strongly support emergency funds for Amtrak, any additional funds need to buy certainty for workers and passengers alike and daily train service must be the very minimum service level,” said Rail Passengers President Jim Mathews in a letter to appropriators. “We are grateful that your bill takes into consideration the well-being of all 500 Amtrak-served communities—including many small towns with few transportation alternatives—recognizing the critical role passenger rail and public transit have always played in economic resilience.”
Committee members said economic stimulus is about putting Americans back to work while preserving essential transportation systems struggling during the pandemic.
“The emergency funding in this bill is pivotal to kickstart a strong and equitable recovery from the coronavirus pandemic and the ensuing economic collapse,” said House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita Lowey. “After an unprecedented year of challenges, the investments in this bill lay the foundations for sustained economic growth and expanded opportunity for every American in every corner of our nation.”
The committee also approved an amendment that would require passengers and employees on airlines, Amtrak and in large transit agencies to wear masks, and for mass transit facilities to ensure enhanced sanitation measures.