Statement by AFL-CIO President John J. Sweeney On the Amtrak Reform Council Vote
November 9, 2001

Today a secretive band of anti-Amtrak ideologues launched a direct attack on our nation=s rail passenger transportation system when it voted to begin a 90 day countdown to the possible liquidation of Amtrak and the destruction of 25,000 jobs.  At a time when our country=s passenger infrastructure and economic health are under attack from within and without, a bare majority of the so-called Amtrak Reform Council (ARC) conspired to put at risk the entire interstate rail passenger system.

Rather than working to strengthen and expand our existing Amtrak network, preserve jobs and relieve pressure on an overburdened transportation system, the ARc—over the objections of the Secretary of Transportation—chose to put the future of Amtrak and the transportation of America=s rail passengers during the Holiday season at risk. This result is unacceptable, unpatriotic and must be reversed.

Today=s vote came after the results of a mail ballot earlier this week revealed an overwhelming desire on the part of those ARC members voting to delay consideration of the matter until next year.  But over the objections of the labor member of the ARC, the Secretary of Transportation and others, the anti-Amtrak ideologues conspired to hold today=s meeting and re-vote the issue until they achieved their goal.

Today, we urge Congress and the White House to Asunset@ the ARC and put it out of business in favor of a responsible debate about the future of Amtrak and our national rail passenger system.  We call on working families and all supporters of Amtrak to mobilize to reverse today=s action.