House GOP Wants To Slash Amtrak’s Budget Just Hours After Deadly Crash

Emergency personnel work at the scene of a deadly train derailment, Wednesday, May 13, 2015, in Philadelphia. The Amtrak train, headed to New York City, derailed and crashed in Philadelphia on Tuesday night, killing ... Emergency personnel work at the scene of a deadly train derailment, Wednesday, May 13, 2015, in Philadelphia. The Amtrak train, headed to New York City, derailed and crashed in Philadelphia on Tuesday night, killing at least six people and injuring dozens of others. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky) MORE LESS
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WASHINGTON (AP) — A powerful House committee is weighing legislation that would slash funds for Amtrak by 18 percent just hours after a deadly train crash in Philadelphia.

The measure includes $1.1 billion for the passenger railroad next year. That’s a $251 million cut from current levels. President Barack Obama requested almost $2.5 billion, much more than his previous proposals

The Appropriations Committee began work on Wednesday on an overall spending bill for transportation and housingthat totals $55 billion.

In recent years, cuts by House Republicans have been restored in House-Senate negotiations, but the railroad’s budget has remained flat.

New York Democratic Rep. Nita Lowey said the measure shortchanges important accounts, including those dedicated to transportation safety.

Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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