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Costa calls for increased Congressional oversight of Amtrak board; characterizes Gunn firing as step toward “emasculation” of train system

June 25, 2007

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Jim Costa (CA-20) calledtoday (Tuesday, Nov.15) for greater Congressional oversight of decisions madeby Amtrak Board of Directors.

In testimony before the Railroads Subcommittee of the House TransportationCommittee, Costa said, "In reality the Administration wants to emasculate andthen kill Amtrak, putting another unfunded mandate on the back of any statethat decides to continue an inter-city rail system."

He added, "A 21st Century transportation systemsneeds rail service to be effective, but this Administration has a vision oftransportation that is locked in the 19th Century."

Costa's testimony was made at hearing called to examine thefiring last week of Amtrak president David Gunn.

Three of the five best traveled Amtrak routes are in California, Costapointed out. The Pacific Surfliner,serving the Southern California coast is the second most traveled route inAmtrak's system; the Capitols, which run from San Joseto Sacramento is number three, and the San Joaquin's,running from Bakersfield to Sacramento, rank number five.

The Valley lawmaker criticized the Amtrak board's secretmeetings and lack of published minutes, as well as the very makeup of the Boarditself. He noted that two of the fourBoard members were recess appointments and the Board has not had its completecompliment of seven members for three years.

Costa has been a long time advocate for building up thepassenger train system in California. His efforts have led to an increase in thenumber of daily Amtrak trains running throughout the state, along with therefurbishment of passenger terminals in the San Joaquin Valley. He is also the author of the High Speed Railconstruction bond measure scheduled for a vote in November 2006.

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