Lautenberg Blasts Bush Veto Threat on Amtrak
House Takes Up Legislation Today, Bringing Historic Initiative Step Closer to Law

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Frank R. Lautenberg, the lead sponsor of the Senate Amtrak Revitalization bill called President Bush’s threat to veto that bill “outrageous.” Lautenberg’s bipartisan bill overwhelmingly passed the Senate by a vote of 70 – 22 in October.

“With soaring gas prices, higher airline ticket prices and congestion on our roads, it is absolutely outrageous that President Bush would continue his hostility to energy-efficient rail service in our country,” said Lautenberg, the chairman of the Senate subcommittee on rail.  “The House’s consideration of this legislation signals quite clearly that people want travel alternatives and a healthy Amtrak for the future.  President Bush needs to wake up and realize that people are sick and tired of paying too much for gas, sitting in traffic and being delayed on airline flights.”

Later today, the House of Representatives is scheduled to take up a companion measure to Sen. Lautenberg’s Amtrak bill.  Once the House passes its measure, it will be “conferenced” with Lautenberg’s Senate measure and prepared for a final text that will be approved by the Senate and House, and then sent to the President.

“The President needs to put his veto pen away and provide some relief to the traveling public,” said Lautenberg.

May 2008 was the highest-single month in Amtrak history.  Ridership in May totaled 2.6 million passengers, an increase of 12.3 percent from May 2007.  Along the Northeast Corridor, ridership on Amtrak regional trains increased 12.4 percent.  Trains in the Northeast provide critical service to New Jerseyans who are traveling for both work and pleasure.

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