Amtrak amendment sails through Senate

Although a vote wasn’t expected until Thursday, the amendment to maintain Amtrak train services along the established, long-distance passenger rail route of the Southwest Chief was included today in the 2018 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies appropriations bill. The bill passed the Senate on an overwhelming 92-6 vote.

Amtrak’s SW Chief makes a stop in Newton July 27.

The amendment was introduced by Kansas Senator Jerry Moran and Senator Tom Udall of New Mexico. Moran commented on the passage of the bill. In addition, this amendment would effectively reverse Amtrak’s decision to substitute rail service with bus service over large segments of the route through fiscal year 2019.

(Read more: Hutch Post)