Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. press release, June 27, 2002

с MEWS FROM Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Second Congressional District of Maryland jmr 1 407 York Rood, Suit* 304 lu Iberville, Могу land 21093 315 Conn on Horn* Office Building Wojhinglon, D.C 20515 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, June 27, 2002 CONTACT: Herny Fawell 202/225-3061 Congressman Ehrlich Applauds Agreement to Keep Amtrak Rolling WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Bob Ehrlich (MD-2) praised President George W. Bush, Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta, and Amtrak officials today for reaching an agreement Wednesday to avert a shutdown of the national railroad passenger service. Congressman Ehrlich stated, “President Bush and Secretary Mineta are to be commended for their efforts to resolve Amtrak’s deteriorating financial situation. As a strong proponent of Amtrak and its Northeast Corridor operations, I support efforts to provide the financial assistance necessary to keep Amtrak’s trains running for the many Marylanders who utilize rail service.” The agreement between Secretary Mineta and Amtrak’s Board Chairman John Robert Smith included improvements to Amtrak’s financial discipline and performance; provisions to make Amtrak’s financial and operating performance transparent to the public; and efforts to provide federal policymakers with a better understanding of Amtrak’s long-term assets and liabilities, and its cost control and revenue options. The Bush Administration is expected to lend Amtrak $100 million while Congress works on additional funding. Congressman Ehrlich continued, “I have always supported the necessary structural reforms that will get Amtrak back on solid financial footing and on the road to self-sufficiency.” ###