The White House will likely sign a major Amtrak funding bill that passed both houses of congress with veto-proof margins. The funding is part of rail safety legislation that followed the tragic California commuter train crash that claimed 25 lives in September.

 

The legislation authorizes $2.5 billion a year for Amtrak, almost double its current federal funding level. The money would cover operating and capital expenses, including equipment purchases and railroad repairs.

About $1.9 billion would fund a matching-grant program to encourage states to invest in rail expansion and repair.

It is the first time Congress passed an Amtrak reauthorization bill since 1997.