WASHINGTON - House-Senate bargainers have agreed to give Amtrak $1.22 billion for the new year, close to what railroad officials say they need to keep trains running and maintenance projects on track.
Negotiators from the two chambers planned to meet late Wednesday to formally shake hands on the agreement, which was described by congressional aides speaking on condition of anonymity.
The money was to be included in a compromise $90 billion measure for transportation programs, the Treasury Department (news - web sites) and several smaller agencies for the federal budget year that began Oct. 1.
That measure also will clear the way for a pay raise for members of Congress.
Posted by espeefoamer (Member # 2815) on :
It seems Congress always gets itself a pay raise and everything else that needs money comes in second.
------------------ Trust Jesus,Ride Amtrak.
Posted by irishchieftain (Member # 1473) on :
I heard about the Senate voting itself a pay raise last month around this time of the month. Truly pathetic—during a time of economic slow-down, they thumb their noses at the people of the USA. Not hard to see where their priorities lie—strictly in self-servitude. Makes me sick. I am thoroughly not amused.