For Some, Light Just Can't Seem to Penetrate

The economic stimulus package is now being debated in Congress. Those of us who are advocates for improving and expanding passenger rail in this country are doing our best to make sure an appropriate amount is designated for that purpose. So far, so good. Most members of Congress seem to agree.

However …Believe it or not, three Republicans in the House have introduced amendments that would eliminate all funds for Amtrak. Yes, that’s correct … eliminate all funds for Amtrak. The three – two bozos and one bozette, shown here top to bottom – are ...

Rep. Gresham Barrett (R-SC)

Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite (R-FL)

and Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ).

With Amtrak ridership increasing by 15%, with air travel becoming more expensive, more inconvenient and more unpleasant, with the price of gas fluctuating wildly, and with the undisputed environmental benefits of rail travel, these clowns want to keep Amtrak at near-starvation funding levels. Truly, the case for additional funding for Amtrak and rail in general is so clear and so compelling, you really must wonder what possible motivation they could have for marching off in the opposite direction. Any guesses?