1978 Scorecard Vote
Amtrak Improvements H.R. 11493. The vote is on the adoption of the conference report on the bill to authorize a subsidy of $755 million for the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (AMTRAK). The effect of the bill was to increase the subsidy for fiscal 1979 and thus to continue services on existing routes despite AMTRAK's financial problems. The bill did set up a mechanism to allow the Department of Transportation to trim back unprofitable routes after October 1, 1979 unless blocked by a veto from either the House or the Senate. Environmentalists favor efforts to help the railroads because rail transit is more energy efficient and less polluting than transportation by plane or automobile. The Carter Administration wanted a slightly smaller subsidy but supported the bill. Adopted 266-127. September 19, 1978. YES is the correct vote.
pro-environment position