White House Likely to Sign $13 Billion Rail Passenger Bill
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- Created: 02 October 2008 02 October 2008
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.