On September 12th in Los Angeles, a head-on collision between a commuter train and a freight train killed 25 people. As a result, a rail safety bill was introduced in the congress to require "positive train control" technology on all passenger lines by 2015.

A major Amtrak reauthorization section was included in the bill. It will:
  • Authorize a $13B Amtrak subsidy over five years (examined each year).
  • $2B in grants to states to encourage passenger rail development.
The Amtrak sections were opposed by the administration but the bill passed with veto-proof majorities in both houses.

Amtrak is definitely on track.