Legislative Background
Recent Action on Passenger Rail Service
With Amtrak’s Federal subsidies due to run out at the end of 2002, Congress is reassessing the public benefits of intercity passenger rail and its importance to the Nation’s transportation system. Amtrak Reform and Accountability Act In 1997, Congress passed the Amtrak Reform and Accountability Act, authorizing appropriations for Amtrak through FY 2002. The law also established the Amtrak Reform Council (ARC) to evaluate Amtrak’s performance and make recommendations for cost-containment and productivity improvements and financial reforms. If the Reform Council finds that Amtrak cannot achieve operating self-sufficiency, it must submit to Congress a plan for Amtrak’s liquidation or restructuring….
