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Sen. Byrd from W.Va proposed an amendment in the Senate today which would've provided $1.4 Billion for Amtrak in FY 2005. I watched it on C-SPAN 2, if was rejected 48-52.
Will there be other proposals? What happens next?
JP
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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Don't panic, Mr Parker--
This initiative was a chance for every Senator to step forth and "show the folks back home" where they stand on Amtrak appropriations.
The actual appropriation of $1B or thereabouts will be buried deep within an Omnibus Spending Bill quite safe from any threat of a Presidential veto.
I think that is where you would want it to be.
Capltd29 Member # 3292
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Ok, thanks
rY Member # 3528
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Did it break right down party lines? (is the vote available anywhere?)
Looks like I need to crank up Word and punch out a letter to my errant congress critters, Hutchison and Cornyn....
Gives me something to do tonight...
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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The abstention by Sen Reed (D-RI) is quite surprising. The NAY by Sen. Hutchinson (R-TX), even though she has been noted as "pro-passenger rail", is not that surprising. "Push come to shove", she wants to keep her job and to do so, she needs help form the "neo-con" Republican organization.
Tanner929 Member # 3720
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Looking at the listings it looks the states that have commuter lines or that AMTRAK serves as a regional rail line. Biden (D-DEL) often rides AMTRAK to and from Washington. Don't know much train travel the other Senators commute?
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