From Ross Capon, Exec. Dir. of the National Association of Railroad Passengers:


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Watch NARP Exec. Dir. Ross Capon take on passenger rail opponent as seen on MSNBC

An amendment to reduce Amtrak's 2011 capital grant by $446 million (Amendment No. 43, offered by Rep. Pete Sessions) failed in a House vote, with 176 "ayes" and 250 "nays."  The nays included 60 Republicans, among them Rep. Bill Shuster (R-PA), chairman of the House T&I Railroads Subcommittee.

Thank you for your work.  It has been a tumltuous few weeks, with both a bold vision for the future of high-speed and intercity trains and a threat to Amtrak's ability to keep trains running.  I appreciate your continued support in the face of these and urge you to stay with us as we continue the fight for a modern, convenient passenger-oriented rail network.

[Click here to see how your elected official voted]

If your Member of Congress voted "no," don't hesitate to thank them and urge them to work for a higher number in the final bill, as the House bill number for Amtrak would force a downgrading of service. (Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121)

House members will also be back in their district this week.  You can call their office and see if they are holding events, and say "thank you" in person.  We can't let the conversation be dictated by road-only activists or advocates of indiscriminate budget cutting.

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