WASHINGTON - Funding for Amtrak was up for discussion today in Congress, only hours after the deadly Amtrak derailment in Philadelphia.
The U.S. House Appropriations Committee considered a bill to fund the passenger rail service. Republicans have proposed cutting Amtrak money to less than half that requested by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Maine Congresswoman Chellie Pingree opposes the cuts. The 1st District Democrat told fellow committee members that, whether there had been an accident last night or not, restoring funding to Amtrak is the right thing to do.
"Not supporting our infrastructure at the level that we know we should, whether it's passenger rail or taking care of our bridges, is a total - in my opinion - dereliction of our duty, and we're expected to address it," Pingree said.
The Republican led Appropriations Committee voted 30-21 to reduce funding to Amtrak. Amtrak's budget has yet to be considered by the Senate.
