Opposing Privatization of Amtrak

• Mister Speaker, I rise today to oppose the privatization of Amtrak.

• Privatization of Amtrak would threaten reliable, dependable, and accessible passenger rail service throughout the United States.

• I travel home every weekend to my district in New Jersey on Amtrak, and Amtrak's service is an essential part of our region's economic vitality.

• Under the plan to privatize Amtrak, the essential service they provide to millions of passengers could be lost, and nearly 20,000 Amtrak jobs could be eliminated.

• State-owned infrastructure that Amtrak currently maintains could be turned over to the already deficit-burdened States to maintain.

• It is likely that station stops will be cut, and commuter rail services will bear increased costs.

• Additionally, freight railroads that currently use Amtrak supported lines may face logistical problems if Amtrak becomes privatized.

• Under the proposal to privatize Amtrak, many important labor provisions will be eliminated.

• Future railroad employees will be exempt from disability, pension, retirement, and unemployment benefits.

• By removing future employees from these benefit systems, current and retired employees will be negatively affected, and railroads will face increased taxes to maintain solvency of these systems.

• I urge my colleagues to oppose the privatization of Amtrak, which will negatively impact commuters, workers, Amtrak, and other railroads.