Bush budget proposal to include Amtrak subsidy

President Bush will offer financial assistance to Amtrak in his budget proposal next week, according to congressional aides.

The president included no funding for Amtrak in his budget proposal last year, but Congress agreed to grant the railroad $1.3 billion in subsidies.

No specific amounts have been mentioned, but discussions have been held on a range of amounts, including $900 million, according to Newsday.

The national railroad’s operating loss for 2005 topped $550 million.