1979 Scorecard Vote
HR. 3996 Amtrak Reorganization Act of 1979. The vote is on the Hagadorn amendment to set fares that would produce revenues equal to 40% of total Amtrak expenses in fiscal 1980, 45% in 1981 and 50% in 1982. Everyone agreed that Amtrak should eventually get at least 50% of its revenues from fares. The dispute here was over timing. Rail transportation advocates feared that too sudden and steep a fare increase would cause a drastic decline in ridership. But if Amtrak can hold on a few more years, the trains will become more economically competitive with private automobiles because gas prices will continue to soar. Therefore environmentalists wanted to postpone fare hikes and avoid the premature closing of any more Amtrak routes. The Carter Administration did not lobby on this amendment. Rejected 168-250. July 25, 1979. No is the correct vote.
pro-environment position