A group of Republican members of Congress (Brian Fitzpatrick, Don Bacon, Christopher H. Smith, Andrew R. Garbarino, Michael V. Lawler, Nicole Malliotakis, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Thomas H. Kean Jr., Rob Bresnahan Jr., and Jefferson Van Drew) recently sent a joint letter to the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Mike Johnson, urging robust federal funding for Amtrak and the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Program. As fiscal negotiations for 2025 and 2026 begin, these lawmakers emphasized the importance of continued federal investment to support Amtrak’s operations, infrastructure, and workforce across the nation. 

The letter warns against proposals to reduce or eliminate annual appropriations for these programs, highlighting that such cuts would severely impact Amtrak’s ability to operate and maintain daily service. Although the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) addresses major capital projects and maintenance, annual funding remains essential for operational, safety, and service requirements. 

Without adequate appropriations, the letter explains, Amtrak would be forced to reduce or suspend service on key routes, leading to fewer trains, more delays, and increased costs for passengers. Cuts would also harm the national economy by stalling infrastructure projects, eliminating jobs, and disrupting the supply chain — especially in the lead-up to major national and international events like America250, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the 2028 Olympic Games. 

The lawmakers made it clear: failure to fully fund passenger rail programs would waste billions of taxpayer dollars and derail essential projects already in progress. They urged Congress to protect these investments for the sake of the communities and businesses that rely on rail transportation every day. 

The Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen supports these efforts and stands with policymakers who recognize the vital role passenger rail plays in keeping America connected and prosperous.