TCU National President Bob Scardelletti and National President-Elect Artie Maratea issued the following joint statement on the House Appropriations Committee’s passage of the FY2021 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations bill:
“The House Appropriation Committee’s spending bill delivers record funding levels for Amtrak at a time when it’s needed most. The vision laid out in the bill will not only allow Amtrak to make much-needed investments, but would provide Amtrak workers – many of them TCU members – the necessary job security they deserve.
“The $2 billion in regular FY2021 appropriations combined with the $8 billion through FY2022 would quite simply be a game-changer for Amtrak and its workforce, and would ensure that long-distance trains remain a viable transportation option for millions in rural America.
“We sincerely thank Chairwoman Nita Lowey (D-NY) and Chairman David Price (D-NC) for the bold vision they’ve laid out for America’s railroad – now we need to focus on getting it across the finish line.
“While the $10 billion provided in the House bill would be amazing, it’s only the first step, and it’s unlikely the Senate will be as generous. Rest assured that TCU will continue to fight tooth-and-nail for the best possible outcome for Amtrak workers.”