House Appropriators May Zero National Network The appropriations process determines how much money federal programs will get in Fiscal 2012, which starts October 1, 2011. Although the first step in the formal House appropriations process is not expected until mid-July, in speaking with Congressional offices NARP has discovered thatthe House Appropriations Subcommittee on transportation will almost certainly impose a crushing funding reduction on Amtrak, possibly zeroing out the national network and limiting capital funding to the bare minimum needed to avoid bankruptcy.
The most effective response is to meet with legislators, to speak up for trains at their 'town meetings,' and to write letters to the editor of your local newspaper. The letter should mention at least one of your legislators (Representative, two Senators) by name, pointing out their
ability to influence the outcome of the debate on transportation funding. (http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/6487/images/Write%20your%20paper.gif)