There is a story in the Washington Post about the US Senate approving funding for Amtrak at $3.2 billion a year for the next six years. In return, Amtrak would have to do some stuff, including cut operating expense 40 percent over the 6 years. The bill would authorize $1.7 billion in debt repayment, $7.8 billion in new bonding authority and $300 million a year in grants that would have to be matched by states.
They passed a similar bill in November, but the House did not act on it. They think it has a better chance now with a Democrat Controlled House.
It main sponsors are Sens. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.) and Trent Lott (R-Miss.).