For Release: Saturday, July 23, 2005
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661

U.S. CONGRESSMAN JERRY COSTELLO AND GLENN POSHARD DISCUSS FUTURE OF AMTRAK

Carbondale, IL - On Saturday, July 23, 2005 U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) and former U.S. Representative Glenn Poshard held a press conference to talk about the future of Amtrak at the Amtrak station in Carbondale, Illinois.

Amtrak was created by Congress in 1970 to create intercity passenger railroad service. Costello, who is a member of the House Subcommittee on Railroads, has consistently worked to secure the federal funding to keep Amtrak running.

At the news conference, Costello and Poshard discussed the fact that the Bush administration requested no funding for Amtrak in its budget proposal for fiscal year 2006.  However, the House approved $1.2 billion to keep Amtrak running and the Senate Appropriations Committee this week passed a bill which included $1.45 billion for Amtrak.  The full Senate has yet to consider the legislation. 

"Amtrak is extremely important to the economy of Southern Illinois and I will continue to work with state and local leaders and my colleagues in Congress to secure the necessary funding to maintain full service," said Costello.  "Train service is particularly vital for the students and employees of Southern Illinois University.  Both Houses of Congress have taken significant steps to keep Amtrak going, but we have work left to do."

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