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AFI Energy and Transportation Committee

December 11, 2001

Honorable Thomas A. Daschle
Senate Majority Leader
S-221 U.S. Capitol
Washington, DC 20510-4103

Dear Majority Leader Daschle:

I write to reaffirm the National Conference of State Legislatures' (NCSL) commitment to passenger and high-speed rail, particularly in light of last month's vote by the Amtrak Reform Council (ARC). The vote on November 9, 2001, declared that Amtrak had not made significant progress toward operational self-sufficiency. This vote triggered a series of events including Amtrak's drawing up a plan for its own liquidation.

The public continues to approach traveling with trepidation as a result of the September 11^th terrorist attacks that deeply affected the airline industry. To now plunge one of the primary providers of an alternative form of travel into financial uncertainty seems to NCSL to be unfortunate for the traveling public and unwarranted at this time.

In addition, the ARC vote did nothing to address rail's long-term financial needs. The vote merely placed additional uncertainty on an industry that is attempting to meet its challenges. In the wake of this vote and the uncertainty it produces, Amtrak has already lost financial support from long-time business partners. This business loss and the potential for more to follow, will only serve to weaken Amtrak's viability and passenger rail travel will suffer as a result. To help alleviate the financial losses already suffered by Amtrak, NCSL urges the administration and Congress to include financial support for Amtrak in the Economic Stimulus Package being considered at this time.

The ARC Vote not only places Amtrak in a precarious fiscal position, it also undermines passenger rail projects at the state level. State legislatures are constantly attempting to improve rail service at the commuter, passenger and high-speed levels. The uncertainty surrounding the ARC vote has effectively made efforts at the state level to invest in passenger rail projects involving Amtrak, much more difficult.

NCSL is pleased that President Bush's ARC representative, Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta, voted against this action. We are also pleased that a group of bipartisan Senators wrote to the President to assure him that no congressional vote will take place to liquidate Amtrak. NCSL looks forward to working with Congress and the administration in the reauthorization of Amtrak during the next congressional session.

Sincerely,

Joan Bray
State Representative, Missouri
Chair, NCSL Rail Working Group