House approves $1.17 billion for Amtrak

The House of Representatives on Wednesday approved more than $1.17 billion for Amtrak next year, possibly averting a threatened shutdown. Lawmakers approved an amendment to add $626 million to a proposed appropriation of $550 million for passenger rail and did away with a requirement that Amtrak end service on its most unprofitable long-distance routes. "This sends a strong message that many in Congress believe that we need to maintain a national passenger rail system," Amtrak said in a statement. But Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta said the amendment "enables and encourages the wasteful spending and inefficient operations that have come to define Amtrak."